Halloween decorating safety tips

Halloween is right around the corner and it essential to remember that while it’s a time for fun and spooky celebrations, electrical hazards can be just as frightening. While celebrating with your family and friends, it’s important to stay aware of potential electrical hazards and fire risks, by taking the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

Responsible celebrations ensure that everyone can enjoy the season safely and maintain reliable power.

When decorating for Halloween, remember to plug outdoor lights and decorations into outlets that are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters.

Indoor lights should not come into contact with window treatments, carpets or furniture.

Remember to replace traditional candles with flame-free alternatives like flashlights, battery-operated candles or glow sticks to safely light up jack-o-lanterns or seasonal decorations.

Keep flammable items like corn stalks and hay bales away from open flames or heat sources, such as candles, heaters and light bulbs.

Homeowners should avoid placing decorations on or neat utility equipment like poles or transformers.

Always check for signs of damage to power cords, such as cracked, frayed or exposed wires.

Avoid using staples or nails to secure lights and decorations because they can damage electrical cords.

And, ensure all decorative lights are UL-approved. Red UL labels indicate the cord is approved for indoor and outdoor use, while green tags signify indoor use only.