I am not sure about you guys, but my Christmas lights have been up for about a week now. The Elf on The Shelf is on the move! Things have been in warp drive for us with all kinds of household projects; but we still take time to enjoy each other as well as the season.

Christmas Decoration Safety

In our neighborhood I am ‘that guy’ that over-decorates his house.  Or at least I used to be.  A new neighbor moved in a few years ago that loves to decorate more than I do!  Their house is extremely well-done, and extremely labor intensive.  I thought that our neighbors would get annoyed with our lights, music, and blow-up characters this year.  In reality, the Christmas cheer has been spreading. Three of us in the neighborhood received anonymous ‘Thank You’ notes for helping make our community “bright, festive, and fun.”  What a great recognition for doing something we love!

In years past, I decorated our house to remind me of home (Iowa and snow). Now I decorate for my wife and children. I hope that they get as much enjoyment out of my Christmas decorations as I do. But being the aptly named Safety Nick, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind all of you about a few easy safety tips for the holiday season.

• Flat ground is safe ground, being up on the roof is dangerous and deadly.
  • Christmas lights are designed to be hung, not stapled to your house.
  • Use only outdoor approved extension cords and all-weather kits.
  • Live Christmas trees need extra water in our warm climate, and they should be disposed of ASAP after 12/26.
  • Indoor decorations can prove hazardous to pets and humans alike- use timers and place wires away from high traffic areas.
  • Using swivel chairs, bar stools, folding chairs, etc., to reach high places is a recipe for disaster.  Be sure to use a step stool or ladder as needed to reach upper areas.
  • Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher in/near your kitchen since that’s the most likely place for a fire to start.
  • If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree, keep it watered and remove any dead branches.  Dried out trees can burn down your house in as little as 3 minutes while you’re sleeping.

Christmas season can also be a time of increased burglaries and personal attacks. Be sure to read and save a copy of the attached flyer to help show you how to correctly call for help, if you should need it. Feel free to reach out to use for more safety tips around your home.

Until next time, stay safe my friends!

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‘Safety Nick’, as he is affectionately known, is the owner and operator of Home Hazard Prevention, LLC (HHP).  As a professional firefighter in the Valley since 2005 with an extensive background in responding to and preventing emergencies, Nick felt that it was time to help the citizens of Maricopa and Pinal Counties learn how to be safe and protect their loved ones in a proactive manner.  In 2012, HHP was launched.  With the support of his wonderful (and understanding!) wife and two beautiful children, Nick works tireless hours, not only to help save your family’s lives, as a firefighter and a community safety expert, but also to be able to spend quality time with his family.  Nick moved to Arizona over 20 years ago and enjoys exploring our great state with his family.

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or [email protected]

© HHP, LLC 2012-2021