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Mitigating the holiday rise in fire risks


During holidays and special events, it’s natural for buildings to see an increase in foot traffic and temporary decorations. However, these changes can also introduce unique fire and life safety risks that contribute to the $15 million in property damage every year. 

In an article for International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Johnson Controls senior director of product management, Martin Schulte-Frankenfeld, highlights practical steps and regulatory reminders facility managers can use to reduce risk, maintain code compliance and help ensure celebrations remain safe for occupants and property alike, including:

  • Reminding occupants of the fire safety guidelines and evacuation routes
  • The importance of updated life safety signage
  • Keeping the fire detection system current and maintained
  • Reviewing the latest opportunities for system integration

Click here to read the full article about safer celebrations.

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“Unchecked decorations and unsafe parties can result in the destruction of products, merchandise and even entire facilities…”

– Martin Schulte-Frankenfeld, Senior director of product management, Johnson Controls

Got questions? We've got answers.


FAQs about fire and life safety risks during the holidays.

Why do holidays increase fire and life safety risks in facilities?
Holidays and special events often bring higher occupancy levels and temporary, sometimes flammable decorations like candles or real trees and wreaths. 

Why is life safety signage especially important during holidays?
With increased foot traffic and unfamiliar occupants, clear and up-to-date life safety signage helps ensure evacuation routes and safety instructions remain visible and easy to follow in an emergency.

Which fire and life safety codes apply during holidays?
Among the codes relevant to building celebrations are NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code.