🎄 Keeping Your Home (and Santa) Safe This Holiday Season

Nicole Brooks
Nov 9
3 min read

A Fun Take on Fire Safety and Holiday Home Maintenance

The holidays are the perfect time to fill your home with warmth, laughter, and twinkling lights. But as Pittsburgh homes glow brighter, the risk of seasonal fire hazards grows, too. Between overloaded outlets, festive candles, and furry friends getting into decorations, even Santa appreciates a home that’s well-prepared for a safe and merry visit.

As a certified home inspector, I see firsthand how small maintenance oversights can turn into big headaches, especially during the busiest (and most flammable) time of year. So before Santa slides down your chimney, here’s how to make sure your home is safe, secure, and “inspection-approved” for the holidays.

Keep Fire Hazards on the Naughty List

Extension cords and outlets: Holiday lights look magical until they overload your circuits. It is advised to use no more than three light strands per extension cord and check for frayed wires or warm plugs. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips, and make sure cords aren’t running under rugs or doors where they can overheat.

Candles and fireplaces: If you love candlelight, choose battery-operated versions for mantles and windows. When using real flames, keep them at least 12 inches from anything flammable: curtains, greenery, and wrapping paper included. Before lighting your fireplace, make sure the damper is open and your chimney is clean and clear of creosote buildup. Santa appreciates an unobstructed and soot free entryway!

Space heaters: Give them at least 3 feet of clearance and plug directly into the wall (never an extension cord). Turn them off when you leave the room or head to bed.

2. Keep the Tree Merry, Not Melty

If you have a live Christmas tree, water it daily. A dry tree can ignite faster than you think and it doesn’t take much heat. Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source and ensure your lights are UL-listed for indoor use.

Bonus tip: LED lights stay cool and use less energy, keeping both your home and your electric bill happier.

3. Test Your Safety Devices

It is advised to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and what better time than right before Santa’s arrival? Replace batteries, vacuum out dust, and make sure devices are less than 10 years old.

If your home has a gas fireplace or attached garage, a working CO detector on every level is a must.

4. Give Santa a Safe Landing

Your roof and chimney do more than support sleigh traffic, they protect your entire home. Before heavy snow hits:

Check shingles and flashing for damage or gaps.
Clear out gutters so melting snow drains properly.
Make sure your chimney cap is secure and free of nests or debris.

If it’s been a while since your last roof or chimney inspection, it’s the perfect time for a professional look for your peace of mind and Santa’s reindeer safety.

5. A Holiday Home That Shines Safely

This season, your home doesn’t need to be the brightest on the block. With a few small precautions, you’ll protect what matters most while making sure every holiday memory is merry, bright, and hazard-free.

Santa might even leave a little extra under the tree for homeowners who take care of their house year-round. After all, even the Big Guy appreciates a well-maintained roof and a clear chimney flue.

Final Thought

The holidays are magical, but home safety shouldn’t depend on luck or good intentions. It is advised to give your home the same attention you give your holiday decorations. Whether it’s a quick safety check or a full inspection, Fine Line Inspections is here to help Pittsburgh homeowners keep their homes safe, efficient, and Santa-ready all season long.

Happy Ho Ho Ho