Halloween is a delightful holiday brimming with fall festivities. But while the costume parties and customs are fun, many Halloween traditions also increase the risk of electrical hazards. This means that although you may be thinking about costumes and celebrations, it is important to take precautions for your wires and other electrical elements. A look at the top electrical safety tips can provide guidance as you prep for this holiday and help ensure a shock-free season.
Lighting Safety Tips
Many Halloween celebrations are filled with lighting. However, improper use of lighting can also create electrical hazards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 48% of home electrical fires stem from electrical distribution systems like lightbulbs, lamps, wires, or plugs. Safeguard your home this Halloween by switching to LED lighting, inspecting cords and plugs, and avoiding circuit overload.
Use LED Lighting
Consider switching to LED lights for Halloween illumination. LEDs consume significantly less electricity than conventional incandescent lightbulbs. This makes them an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional lighting. Because LEDs draw less power from the grid, these bulbs help you save on utility costs in the long run. LED lights generate less heat and thereby lower the risk of fires or accidents from overheating. Battery-powered LEDs also reduce electrical hazards and are much safer than candles for decorations like jack-o-‘-lanterns.
Inspect All Cords
Damaged cords are among the most serious risks of Halloween lighting. Fraying or loosened cords increase the risk of electrocution or shock, and they are also more likely to spark electrical fires than intact cords and plugs. In addition to fraying, check for worn insulation, visible copper showing through insulation, or loose electrical connections. If the plugged end of a lighting cord looks broken or faulty, do not use them item. It is better to discard damaged lights or props that you can no longer use safely.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Plan ahead to avoid overloading circuits while setting up your lighting. Count your available outlets and notate their location so that you can distribute lights correctly. This can help prevent connecting too many lights or devices to a single circuit. Crowding or overloading a circuit can result in overheating, blown fuses, or electrical fires. If you notice burned or frayed components on your circuit board or fuse box, turn it off and call for a professional electrical repair right away.
Outdoor Safety Tips
Outdoor displays are among the most enjoyable parts of Halloween events. But before you invite others to your home for trick-or-treating, it is essential to take safety precautions. These tips include using outdoor-rated equipment and cords, fastening decorations securely, and weatherproofing your display.
Use Outdoor-Rated Equipment
Before installing any electrical product outdoors, make sure that it is rated for outdoor use. This rating should appear in bold on the packaging and may include wattage or amperage limits. You can also look for equipment or decorations verified through nationally recognized certification organizations such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). These organizations use testing to ensure that equipment measures up to scientific, quality, or safety standards.
Secure Outdoor Decorations
It is also important to mount all outdoor decorations with sturdy stakes, anchors, and fasteners. Flimsy mounting increases the risk of decorations blowing away and becoming entangled with power lines, thereby endangering your property. In addition, use power-safe hooks, zip ties, or insulated staples to hold your decorations in place. The use of nails or tacks can puncture cords or wiring and increases the risk of short circuits.
Weatherproof Your Display
October weather can be unpredictable with sources of moisture that may include rain, fog, sleet, or even snow. Safeguard your Halloween display with weatherproof outlets or covers. These components help protect electrical connections from inclement weather that can cause short circuiting or electric shock. All outdoor outlets should include ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that automatically stop the flow of electricity in the event of accidental exposure to water.
Use Extension Cords Wisely
If you need to use an extension cord, make sure it has the proper amperage and wattage to correspond with your power requirements. Never overload an extension cord with too many connections. Most experts recommend no more than three standard-size sets of holiday lights per any single extension cord. Attempting to draw excess power to an extension cord can cause overheating and fires.
Indoor Safety Tips
Hosting a haunted house or costume party this year? Practice safe habits for any indoor holiday gatherings. These tips include creating clear pathways and powering off indoor decorations when necessary.
Create Clear Pathways
The cords and wires used for Halloween decorations are often tripping hazards. Create clear and well-lit pathways to reduce the risk of accidents. Never block exits or run cords across doorways or walkways.
Unplug Indoor Decorations Before Bed
Unplug any indoor decorations before going to bed. Leaving these decorations plugged in for too long may result in overheating and increases the risk of overnight fires. Similarly, blow out any lit candles to prevent them from tipping over during the night and burning your furnishings or electronics.
Costume Safety Tips
Costumes are some of the most unforgettable elements of Halloween. Keep these memories happy and pleasant with safe practices. These tips include selecting flame-resistant materials and avoiding any conductive accessories.
Choose Flame-Resistant Materials
Create or purchase costumes with flame-resistant materials. Examples include synthetic fabrics like various types of polyester, acrylic, or nylon. These materials add an extra layer of protection while enjoying Halloween bonfires or similar activities.
Avoid Metallic Accessories
Avoid creating costumes with metallic accessories. Many metals are excellent conductors of heat, and they can increase the risk of electric shock if you come into contact with exposed wiring or defective equipment. Choose non-conductive materials and spray paint them with a more preferable color if necessary.
Fire Safety Tips
Always practice fire safety during holiday gatherings. Keep fire extinguishers handy and avoid decorating your house with highly flammable materials like dry leaves or paper. Other tips include upgrading your smoke detectors and crafting an emergency exit plan.
Install Smoke Detectors
Consider hiring an electrician to install whole-home or interconnected smoke detectors. These smoke alarms can alert the whole household at the first sign of an emergency. An electrician can test your smoke detector during annual inspections and troubleshoot or replace batteries as needed.
Practice an Emergency Exit Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of an electrical emergency. This plan should include both evacuation routes and meeting points to account for everyone in the building. Always keep emergency numbers stored in the contacts section of your phone.
Contact Us Today
Celebrating Halloween is a great way to embrace the autumn season and create lasting memories. However, it is also an important time to protect your household against electrical safety hazards. Fortunately, the experts are here to help. Finch Home Solutions provides residential electrical services for homes in Shakopee, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas.
We offer electrical inspections, installation, or repair. Our licensed and certified electricians can perform lighting upgrades or correct any problems with fixtures and outlets. We specialize in whole-home rewiring as well as electrical panel upgrades and circuit breaker repair. Reach out to us for smoke alarm installation or servicing before your next holiday gathering.
No matter the issue, we can help. Contact Finch Home Solutions today for all of your electrical needs.
