How Your Holiday Decorations Could Trigger a Fire Alarm — And How Markarian Alarms Can Help
The holiday season has arrived in Watertown, MA, and neighborhoods are lighting up with sparkling displays, colorful bulbs, glowing ornaments, and festive inflatables. Christmas decorations bring magic to the season — but they also bring increased fire risks that are often overlooked.
Every December, fire departments nationwide report a rise in incidents caused by faulty lighting, overloaded outlets, and unsafe holiday décor setups. But the good news? With proper precautions and professional monitoring, these risks can be drastically reduced.
Let’s break down how Christmas lights can trigger fire alarms — and how Markarian Alarms helps protect homes and families during the busiest (and brightest) time of the year.
How Holiday Decorations Can Trigger Fire Alarms
1. Overloaded Electrical Circuits
Holiday lights, extension cords, space heaters, and décor running at the same time can overload circuits. This can cause:
Overheating wires
Tripped breakers
Electrical fires
Smoke that triggers alarms
Older homes in Watertown are especially vulnerable to electrical strain.
2. Faulty or Damaged Light Strands
Using old Christmas lights can be dangerous. Cracked sockets, frayed wiring, or loose bulbs can cause sparks, short circuits, or melting wires — all of which may activate a fire alarm or, worse, start a fire.
3. Indoor Decorations Too Close to Heat Sources
Holiday décor placed near:
Furnaces
Radiators
Fireplaces
Space heaters
…can create hot spots that set off smoke detectors or create smoldering risks.
4. Real Christmas Trees Drying Out
A dry tree can ignite within seconds if exposed to faulty lights or an overheating strand. Even a small spark can trigger smoke alarms — or ignite a fire before anyone notices.
5. Outdoor Decorations in Bad Weather
Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can infiltrate:
Outdoor outlets
Non-rated extension cords
Improperly sealed plugs
This moisture leads to electrical shorts that can trigger alarms or damage your system.
Why This Matters More in December
December is the peak month for:
Electrical home fires
Smoke-related alarms
False alarm activations
Holiday-decoration-related incidents
With families traveling, attending gatherings, and celebrating Armenian Christmas in early January, it is crucial to make sure your home is monitored and protected — even when you’re away.
This is where Markarian Alarms steps in.
How Markarian Alarms Protects Your Home During the Holiday Season
At Markarian Alarms, we provide cutting-edge security and fire monitoring systems built specifically to keep you and your community safe — especially during high-risk months like December.
1. 24/7 Fire Alarm Monitoring with Centra-Larm
If a detector senses smoke, heat, or fire — whether you’re home or not — our monitoring station takes immediate action:
Alerts emergency services
Notifies you instantly
Ensures response even if you're traveling
2. Advanced Smoke & CO Detection with Alarm.com Integration
Smart detectors send real-time alerts to your smartphone:
Smoke detected
Heat buildup
Low battery
Device tampering
Malfunction warnings
Perfect for busy families, large homes, and multi-level properties.
3. Safe Integration with Holiday Lighting
Our systems work safely alongside:
Smart plugs
Holiday timers
Outdoor lighting circuits
IP cameras watching exterior décor
You get safety AND automation — no compromises.
4. Preventing False Alarms
Holiday cooking, candles, and decorations can cause nuisance alarms.
With Markarian Alarms:
Smart sensors reduce false triggers
Professional installation ensures correct placement
Alarm.com notifications let you verify alerts instantly
5. Security Cameras to Protect Holiday Décor
Not only fire — but your décor, packages, and home itself are protected through:
HD IP cameras
Smart motion alerts
Outdoor camera analytics
2-way audio
Video clips sent to your phone
Holiday Safety Tips from Markarian Alarms
To help keep your Watertown home safe this season:
✔ Use LED lights instead of incandescent
✔ Never connect more than 3 light strings together
✔ Keep trees watered daily
✔ Avoid using indoor extension cords outdoors
✔ Replace any damaged light strands
✔ Keep decorations away from heat sources
✔ Don’t leave lights on overnight or while away
✔ Consider a professional electrical inspection
Stay Safe This Christmas — Let Markarian Alarms Help Protect Your Home
With Christmas and Armenian Christmas celebrations approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is secure, monitored, and ready for the season.
Schedule your Holiday Home Security & Fire Monitoring Consultation Today!
Call: (617) 393-9700
Markarian Alarms — Protecting Watertown, MA and Beyond
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