Every year at this time I can't help but notice beautiful holiday lighting and adornment. It's great to see that even homes with a "For Sale" sign on front lawn have been bedazzled with lights! But this good deed seldom goes without also decking halls with many holiday hazards.

You may be feeling happy for holidays, but you'll be roasting more than chestnuts if you lose respect for dangers inherent in season! It is sad to say, but more homes burn during December than any other month. And electricity is not only hazard contributing to risk.

Candles! Gosh they look so good and scent can set perfect holiday mood. But always remember this about candles - they are on fire! Seasonal candles on windowsills near your beautiful curtains and shears is a perfect blend for combustion. Please be sure candles are always attended when lighted, shielded by a glass enclosure, and located so cat doesn't knock them over. And put out all candles before snuggling in for night!

And what about space heaters! These little gems can put just right amount of heat right where you need it. But, they can also burn house down. Space heaters need to be in a clear space! That might even be why they call them "space" heaters, cause if they are too close to bedding, curtains, or clothing there is a fair chance of fire. Many a home has burned even with heater in clear space. Please be careful about flinging a towel, shirt, or sheet as you climb under covers. Any article landing on heater is certain to burn.

While we are thinking about space heaters, be especially cautious about misuse of kerosene-fired space heaters. These babies can really put out heat! But please, read directions and follow them like your life depended on it. Of special concern is ventilation. If your space heater's directions require outside air for ventilation, crack a window or what ever it takes to be compliant. The risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning is far greater than fire. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless ensuring a sound sleep for all eternity.

When choosing a contractor for a repair or renovation most fundamental of screening techniques is assurance that contractor is properly licensed. The tales of tragedy brought about by illegal actions of unlicensed contactors are enough to scare us into never making repairs! Thankfully, it is free and easy to eliminate these thieves from our lives if we do some simple research.

The State of Florida requires that all contractors be properly licensed under auspices of The Construction Industry Licensing Board. Each licensed contractor or company qualified to conduct business in state has a license number. The license number makes it easy to know what a particular contractor or company is licensed to do, but only if we know code!

Fortunately code is easy to break. Nearly every license issued by State of Florida is a combination of three letters and six numbers. The letters identify type of work contractor is licensed to perform and numbers specify individual contractor or company. At top of list are:

CGC Certified General Contractor (Builders of big buildings)

CBC Certified Building Contractor (Builders of small offices and stores)

CRC Certified Residential Contractor (Builders of homes)