🔥 Holiday Wrap-Up: Year-End Fire Safety Tips
- Alan Pacheco
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
The Season of Celebration and Caution
The holiday season is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. As the year winds down, families gather, businesses close out projects, and workplaces host festive events. Yet amid the joy and lights, fire hazards are at their annual peak.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December and January are the leading months for home fires, often caused by overloaded outlets, candles, cooking, and heating equipment. Similarly, workplaces experience increased risks from decorations, temporary power setups, and reduced staff supervision during the holidays.
At APF Consulting, LLC, we believe safety doesn’t take a holiday. Whether you’re home by the fireplace or closing up the office for the year, a few extra precautions can make all the difference.
Common Year-End Fire Hazards
🎄 1. Overloaded Electrical Circuits
Holiday lights, space heaters, and office decorations can overload circuits, leading to shorts and sparks.
Prevention:
Never daisy-chain multiple extension cords.
Use surge protectors and heavy-duty rated cords for decorations.
Inspect cords for frays or exposed wires before plugging in.
Unplug decorations and equipment before leaving home or office.
🍳 2. Cooking & Kitchen Fires
Cooking remains the #1 cause of home fires, especially during holiday meal prep.
Prevention:
Never leave stoves or ovens unattended.
Keep towels, oven mitts, and paper products away from burners.
Use timers and stay in the kitchen while cooking.
For grease fires, never use water — smother flames with a metal lid or baking soda.
At work, ensure breakroom microwaves and coffee makers are turned off before employees leave for long weekends.
🕯 3. Candles & Open Flames
Candle fires peak in December, often starting in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Prevention:
Replace real candles with flameless LED alternatives.
Keep candles at least 12 inches from flammable items like curtains or paper.
Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Don’t allow open flames in workplace settings unless authorized and supervised.
🔥 4. Heating Equipment Hazards
Space heaters and furnaces can ignite nearby materials or cause electrical fires if neglected.
Prevention:
Keep heaters 3 feet clear of curtains, furniture, and paper.
Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, not power strips.
Inspect and clean furnace filters regularly.
Have heating systems professionally serviced before winter peaks.
In workplaces, ensure heaters are used only in approved areas with automatic shutoff features.
🏢 5. Workplace Decorations & Holiday Events
Decorations bring cheer — but they can also bring risk.
Prevention:
Avoid hanging lights across doorways, exit signs, or fire sprinklers.
Use flame-retardant decorations only.
Keep exits and extinguishers unobstructed.
Designate a safety officer during office events to ensure candles, heaters, and outlets are used properly.
Conduct a pre-holiday safety walkthrough before closing the office.
End-of-Year Fire Safety Checklists
🏠 Home Fire Safety Wrap-Up
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace batteries if needed.
Inspect cords and outlets for wear.
Clean lint traps and dryer vents.
Ensure your Christmas tree is watered daily.
Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
Have a fire extinguisher on each level of your home.
Review and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
🧯 Workplace Fire Safety Wrap-Up
Verify that fire extinguishers are inspected and accessible.
Test alarm and sprinkler systems.
Unplug nonessential devices before the holiday break.
Remove combustible materials from workstations.
Ensure emergency exits are clear and marked.
Review evacuation procedures with remaining staff.
Store chemicals and cleaning supplies properly.
Designate a final safety sweep before closing.
Emergency Preparedness — For Home & Work
Fire safety goes beyond prevention — it’s about being prepared when the unexpected happens.
At Home:
Have a family communication plan.
Store key documents in a fireproof safe.
Keep emergency kits stocked with flashlights, water, and first aid.
At Work:
Train employees in CPR, AED use, and basic fire response.
Conduct an end-of-year fire drill.
Keep emergency contact lists updated and visible.
Fire Extinguisher Quick Guide
Type | Best For | Symbol Color |
A | Wood, paper, cloth | Green |
B | Grease, gasoline, oil | Red |
C | Electrical fires | Blue |
D | Metals (industrial use) | Yellow |
K | Kitchen fires (cooking oil/fat) | Black |
Remember the PASS Method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Always keep a safe exit behind you when using an extinguisher.
Building a Safety Mindset Into the New Year
The close of the year is the perfect time to reflect — not just on goals achieved, but also on safety practices improved. Whether at home or on the job, making small adjustments can prevent life-changing incidents.
Carry these principles forward into the new year:
Awareness: Notice hazards before they escalate.
Responsibility: Everyone plays a role in fire prevention.
Maintenance: Regular inspections prevent costly damage.
Preparedness: Plan and practice for emergencies.
Let this holiday season end — and the new one begin — with safety at the forefront.
A Safe Start to the New Year
As we close the chapter on another year, remember that safety is not a task you check off — it’s a habit that protects everything you value.
Take time to unplug decorations, review safety protocols, and check your equipment before ringing in the new year. A few minutes of attention can prevent tragedy and ensure your celebrations remain joyful, peaceful, and safe.
From APF Consulting, LLC, thank you for a year of trust and commitment to safety. We wish you a prosperous and incident-free New Year ahead.
Download our Year-End Fire Safety Checklist for homes and workplace. With APF Consulting to start your year safely and confidently.
© APF Consulting, LLC
PO Box 847, Tulare, CA 93275(559) 837-1004 · www.apfconsultingllc.com
Safety starts with YOU!
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