Decorating a parent’s or grandparent’s nursing home room for the holidays can brighten their day and make their space feel more like home. A few thoughtful touches can spark conversations with friends and staff and remind your loved one that you care.
Before bringing holiday decorations into a care center, it’s important to know that the Washington State Fire Marshall sets safety rules for health care settings like Christian Health Care Center. These rules limit what items can be used in residents’ rooms and public areas.
The following items meet safety guidelines and are permitted at CHCC:
- Decorations made of ceramic, metal or glass.
- Flameless candles.
- Artificial Christmas trees that comply with the International Fire Code — documented and certified by the manufacturer. Read the box or product labeling to ensure the tree is in compliance; proof of compliance may be requested by CHCC. Decor items — including items made from fabric — that are noncombustible or flame-retardant.
- Decorations, including fabric items, that are noncombustible or flame-retardant.
- Tree ornaments that are noncombustible or fire-resistant.
- Wooden decorations less than one-fourth inch thick and treated with fire retardant.
- Decorative lighting, such as string lights, that are approved by a testing laboratory (look for a UL label on the cord). Lights can be used in supervised areas; decorative lights need to be turned off when not in use.
- Bows and paper cutouts labeled flame-resistant.
- Artificial swags and wreaths labeled fire-resistant.
Decorations that are not permitted for safety reasons at CHCC:
- Candles with a real flame
- Fresh evergreen boughs or wreaths, including those in floral arrangements
- Natural cut Christmas trees
- Paper ornaments that are not flame-resistant
- Extension cords
All decorations mentioned above must stay clear of exits and fire protection equipment. Do not hang items from sprinkler heads or pipes. Keep decorations at least 36 inches from heaters.
Please remove decorations within a week after the holiday season. This helps keep resident rooms and shared spaces safe and uncluttered.
As always, if you have questions about what holiday decorations are allowed at Christian Health Care Center, contact the compliance coordinator at 360-354-4434.
