Prevent Electrical Spooks This Halloween

There is no trick or treat about it – electrical accidents happen when precautions are not taken to prevent tragedies. During this time of year, yards are infested with ghost and goblins – make sure all of your costumed critters are kept safe. Sequachee Valley Electric and Safe Electricity urge everyone to following simple safety guidelines.

Be sure to take a few precautions so that you don’t have a real Halloween scare this year. Outdoor displays with spooky sounds, flashing lights, and fog machines all add to the setting for your Halloween celebrations, but if set up improperly, they can also create danger of electrical shocks, fires and burns.

To avoid potential safety hazards:

• Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string.
• Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will connect to them.
• Before use, check each light for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings. Always unplug light strings while replaced bulbs.
• Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas – don’t run them through doorways, or hid them under rugs or carpets.
• Don't overload extension cords. Check all packaging to determine how many strings can be safely run together or plugged in at one time.
• Don't staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold light strings in place, not nails or tacks.
• Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects.
• Use only lights, cords, animated displays and decorations rated for outdoor use. 
• Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them.
• Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Use only wooden or fiberglass ladders around electrical lines. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Never work alone – always have someone else on hand in case of an emergency.

Make sure to keep electrical objects away from flammable objects, such as hay bales, cornstalks and fabric costumes. While adding to the ambiance, the heat from lights and other electrical decorations could potentially cause a fire. Also, don't allow children or pets to play with light strings or other electrical decorations that can shock or burn.

Whether decorating or using extension cords in general, read the label on both the cord and the appliances that are plugged into it to make sure the cord can handle the load. If it can’t, use a higher-rated cord or unplug some appliances. Remember that extension cords are meant for temporary, not permanent, use. With caution, learn what breakers protect each section of your home and label them. Don't overload your circuit breakers/fuses.

Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walkway areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can trip over them or become entangled. Also, don’t hide cords under carpeting or rugs or run them behind curtains or blinds.

A safe celebration is the best celebration, and following basic electrical safety guidelines will help you avoid real scares and keep your memories of Halloween 2009 “boo-tiful” and enjoyable.

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