Winter brings holiday decorations, space heaters, and extra cooking — all of which increase fire risk in commercial buildings. Taking a proactive approach to fire safety during this season can protect your employees, your property, and your business.
Why Winter Increases the Risk of Commercial Fires
The holiday season introduces several common fire hazards into the workplace. Decorative lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal candles all add ignition risk. At the same time, businesses often bring in extra heating sources such as fireplaces and space heaters. Overloaded electrical outlets and aging extension cords — used to power all of this extra equipment — further raise the stakes.
Electrical Safety Tips
Pay attention to your electrical setup throughout the winter months. If you notice too many devices plugged into a single outlet, redistribute them to avoid overloading the circuit. Keep extension cords out of high-traffic pathways where someone could trip over them, and replace any cords that are frayed or showing signs of wear.
Managing Holiday Decorations Safely
Turn off decorative lights and other seasonal displays when the building is unoccupied. Live trees and plants dry out quickly indoors — keep them well-watered and position them away from heat sources. If you use candles in the workplace, make sure a responsible person is present whenever they are lit. Extinguish candles fully before leaving any room, and never leave open flames unattended.
Space Heater and Heating Equipment Precautions
Portable space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from any flammable materials. Before the coldest months arrive, have a professional inspect your heating equipment to confirm it is in safe working order. A faulty heater is a fire risk that is easy to address before it becomes a problem.
Test Your Fire Protection System
Winter is a good time to confirm that your fire protection system is fully operational. When was it last tested? A working fire alarm, combined with clear evacuation signage and a practiced fire drill, ensures that everyone in your building knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
If you need replacement parts for your fire protection system, Life Safety Consultants carries a wide inventory of commercial fire alarm parts. Call us at 1-888-557-0558 or contact us online for assistance.
