Halloween is one of the best times of year to get creative with your home. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, fog machines, inflatable ghosts, and strings of orange lights make a neighborhood come alive. But all those decorations put extra demand on cords and outlets, and electrical hazards are the kind of fright no one wants!
According to our partners at Southern California Edison (SCE), Americans are expected to spend about $4.3 billion on Halloween decorations this year!!! Meanwhile, the Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates that extension cords used for decorating are tied to more than 3,000 home fires each year. A few simple habits from SCE that can keep your celebration safe:
Decorate smart. Choose lights, cords, and decorations rated for outdoor use and wet conditions if they’re going outside. Plug into power strips with surge and overload protection, and use outlets with GFCI or AFCI protection when you can.
Don’t overload. Check the manufacturer’s label for how many light strands can safely be connected end to end. Spread decorations across multiple outlets instead of plugging everything into one, which can lead to overheating.
Hang with care. Avoid nails or staples when attaching lights or cords, since they can damage the wiring. Use plastic clips or hooks instead.
Look up. Never attach decorations to power lines, utility poles, or other electrical equipment. When working near overhead lines, keep yourself, your ladder, and your tools at least 10 feet away.
Power down. Turn off indoor and outdoor decorations before bed and whenever you leave the house. It’s safer, and it saves energy too.
At SJVCEO, we believe safety and energy awareness go hand in hand, especially during Energy Awareness Month. A little planning keeps the focus where it belongs: on costumes, candy, and time with family and neighbors!
For more electrical safety resources, visit SCE’s safety page at sce.com/staysafe.