Holiday Decoration Hazards: How to Prevent Seasonal Fires and Water Damage

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

The holiday season brings our homes warmth, joy, and festive decorations. Twinkling lights, glowing, scented candles, and festive greenery set the scene for holiday celebrations. However, these decorations can also present significant fire risks and lead to unexpected water damage. At SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee & World Golf Village, we want to help you enjoy a safe holiday season while understanding how we can assist if a disaster strikes. 

The Fire Risks Behind Festive Decorations

1. Overloaded Electrical Outlets and Lights

Holiday lights and decorations can overload circuits, causing electrical fires. Damaged cords, outdated lighting strands, or improper outdoor lighting setups can quickly spark trouble. 

2. Open Flames and Candles 

Candles are seasonal favorites, but they also pose a severe fire hazard if left unattended or placed too close to flammable materials like curtains or dried-out greenery. 

3. Dry Christmas Trees

Natural Christmas trees can dry out and become highly flammable turning a small spark into a blaze within seconds. 

4. Fireplaces and Heaters

Fireplaces and portable heaters add to the coziness of the holiday season, especially during the colder months but sparks or improper placement can ignite nearby decorations. 

When Fire Meets Water 

After the flames are extinguished, water damage often follows. Fire suppression efforts, whether from sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or firefighting hoses, can soak your home and belongings. Water left untreated can seep into flooring, walls, and furniture leading to: 

Mold Growth: moisture creates the perfect environment for mold within 24-48 hours. 

Structural Damage: Prolonged water damage exposure can weaken building materials like drywall, wood, and ceilings. 

Lingering Odors: Both smoke and water can leave stubborn odors that permeate your home and may require professional assistance to remove. 

How SERVPRO® Can Help

If the unexpected occurs, SERVPRO is Here to Help® restore your property quickly and effectively. 

1. Fire Damage Restoration
We use advanced techniques to clean soot, smoke, and odor residues from your home and belongings to restore rather than replace your items. 

2. Water Damage Cleanup
Our team extracts standing water and uses powerful drying equipment to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

3. Comprehensive Cleaning and Deodorization
We ensure your home is clean, safe, and odor-free, ready for you to get back to making holiday memories.

4. Professional Assessment and Support
From structural repairs to managing insurance claims, our SERVPRO team guides you through every step of the restoration process.

Holiday Safety Tips

• Inspect Lights Before Use: Replace damaged cords or broken bulbs.
• Keep Flames Supervised: Never leave candles or fireplaces unattended.
• Water Your Tree Daily: A hydrated tree is less likely to catch fire.
• Maintain Electrical Safety: Use surge protectors and avoid overloading outlets.

This holiday season, let safety be your top priority. And remember, if fire or water damage threatens your home, SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, South Nocatee & World Golf Village is ready to help 24/7.

Call us today at 904-429-4457 for fast, professional restoration services!
Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season!