Coastal Holiday Decoration Safety: What Myrtle Beach Homeowners Should Watch For

Practical ways to enjoy a festive season while keeping your South Carolina home safe.

Holiday decorating brings joy and tradition, but it also introduces safety risks many homeowners overlook—especially in coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, where salt air, humidity, and wind can change how holiday décor behaves outdoors. From electrical cords to roof displays and inflatables, small seasonal choices can impact your home’s safety more than you might realize.

Below are locally tailored, coastal-friendly holiday home safety tips to keep your home protected throughout the season.

Roof Load & Outdoor Decorations in Coastal Conditions

Holiday decorations have become larger, brighter, and more elaborate, and that can introduce unique challenges for Myrtle Beach homeowners. Coastal winds can lift or shift roof décor, while salt air accelerates wear on clips and fasteners, making them more prone to loosening.

Moisture from overnight humidity or sea spray can also increase the weight of garlands and outdoor greenery—especially on elevated porches and balconies common across the Grand Strand.

Tips to stay safe:

• Use weather-resistant clips designed for windy environments.

• Avoid placing heavy items on steep or unsupported roof sections.

• Check roof décor after windy nights or major temperature changes.

A quick inspection every few days can prevent unexpected damage or falling displays.

Electrical Cord & Outlet Safety Near the Ocean

Coastal climates are harsh on electrical components. Salt air can corrode plug connections faster, humidity can seep into older light strands, and GFCI outlets near porches, decks, or carports may trip more frequently.

Most holiday fires start with electrical issues—not décor itself. For a detailed look at preventing electrical hazards, homeowners can review guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
www.nfpa.org/holiday

Safety tips:

• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords and replace them more often in coastal areas.

• Avoid overloading a single outlet, especially on porches exposed to salt air.

• Keep connections off the ground and away from damp railings or decking.

• Replace any light strands showing signs of rust, corrosion, or flickering.

In coastal South Carolina, even newer cords can deteriorate quickly—so inspect them carefully each season.

Inflatables & Yard Décor in Coastal Wind Patterns

Inflatables are popular along the Grand Strand, but coastal winds can be unpredictable. Evening gusts often pick up as temperatures shift, and open yards without natural windbreaks make inflatables more vulnerable to tipping or shifting.

When inflatables move, they can tug on cords, lean into shrubs or heaters, or scrape against siding.

How to reduce risk:

• Anchor inflatables with multiple stakes and sandbags.

• Position them away from fire pits, outdoor heaters, and rail-mounted lights.

• Turn them off when winds increase or if you’ll be away for several hours.

A few extra anchoring steps make a major difference near the coast.

Hidden Holiday Fire Risks Coastal Homeowners Often Forget

Beyond the obvious dangers, several small, overlooked hazards can create problems in Myrtle Beach homes during the holidays.

Pine straw near outdoor outlets

Pine straw is extremely common in South Carolina landscaping and ignites quickly when heated by cords or lights.

Screened-in porch heaters too close to décor

Garlands or ribbons placed near propane or electric heaters can overheat without homeowners noticing.

Real Christmas trees drying faster than expected

Coastal humidity swings can cause indoor trees to dry unevenly, increasing fire risk if lights are left on for long periods.

Salt-air wear on wires

Cords may look fine on the outside but develop internal corrosion that leads to overheating when plugged in.

Lights attached to damp or metal railings

Salt and moisture increase the likelihood of sparks or shorts on metal surfaces.

Simply clearing debris, checking connections, and giving décor a little breathing room can prevent most of these hazards.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Holiday decorating should feel festive, not stressful. A few simple precautions—especially in a coastal environment—can help Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand homeowners enjoy a brighter, safer season from start to finish.

If you’re exploring neighborhoods across Myrtle Beach or want to learn more about life along South Carolina’s coast, you can browse our local area guides here:
www.southcarolina.mcalpineteam.com/communities/myrtle-beach-real-estate

With more than 26 years of real estate experience, we’re always glad to help homeowners navigate what comes next — whenever the time is right for you.