Holiday decor preparations before heavy wind, rain

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — With heavy rain and wind set to come Rhode Island’s way Wednesday, one mayor gave some tips to keep holiday décor secure.

Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi has hosted holiday light shows and decorations in his front yard for roughly two decades.

“I’ve engineered this so it can withstand anything,” said Picozzi. “This has been up there in 80 mph winds, all of the props you see on the roof are all tethered.”

Directing city residents, Picozzi continued, “Big inflatables, take them down, bring them in the house if you can, or put some bricks in there if you can. The plastic blowers, you should always have those staked or wired right to a stake, so they don’t blow away. Lights pretty much take care of themselves.”

The Dumonds, neighbors of the mayor, are prepared this holiday season with their Christmas decorations — especially with their large, inflatable Santa Claus.

“Over the years, Santa’s had several surgeries actually,” said Keith Dumond.

Alongside his wife Alisa, Keith continued, “There’s been sometimes where I looked out and said, ‘Oh, no, we’re pushing the limit here. It looks like he’s having a little too much eggnog.'”

Beyond preserving your holiday traditions, Picozzi said securing your decorations will keep roads especially safe.