Don’t Let Electrical Hazards Haunt Halloween!

Halloween is the most festively frightening night of the year. But don’t make yours fraught with danger. Here are some safety reminders:

As you’re decorating, make sure you check for cracked sockets, frayed, loose or bare wires, and loose connections.

Fasten all outdoor lights securely to trees and other firm supports. Do not use a nail or tack that could puncture insulating cords and damage wires.

Make sure decorative lighting is well-ventilated, protected from weather, and is not near anything flammable like dry leaves and shrubs. Do not coil extension cords while in use or tuck under rugs or drapes.

Make sure all outdoor electrical lights and decorations are plugged into an outlet protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). If your outlets aren’t equipped with GFCIs, have an electrician install them or buy a GFCI adapter plug. Don’t overload outlets with too many extension cords and strands of lights.

Keep power cords off walkways and porches that trick-or-treaters may use. You don’t want them to trip.

Leave the porch light on for trick-or-treaters, and be sure to turn out all  spooky lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. This will also save energy.

For more tips visit SafeElectricity.org.

Source: Electric Consumer