Staying Safe This Halloween

Celebrating holidays at home usually includes festive decorations, especially for Halloween. Not only do many people choose to use outdoor string lights, but battery-operated figurines are now also popular. Household members are advised to remember a few tips this Halloween to keep the home safe.

Inspecting Halloween Decor

Even expensive Halloween lights can have unforeseen problems. Before hanging festive outdoor lighting, it’s important to check for damage. String lights, in particular, can have small tears or cracked bulbs. If a box has been tampered with, the likelihood of damage is considerably higher. 

LED lighting is considered a much safer option for holiday lights because they are less likely to melt the wiring. Although these bulbs do not burn as bright, the difference is usually not noticeable. LEDs last several hours longer than traditional bulbs, making them ideal for battery-operated decoration.

“Fairy lights” or lights that do not need to be plugged into the wall, are ideal for outdoor lighting. They can be left on for hours because they are low-risk for fire. Other decorations, like light-up inflatables or ghoulish figurines, usually use LED lights because they produce less heat. 

Where to Place Decorations

In addition to the lights, outlets must be examined before plugging anything into the socket. Two-pronged outlets, usually found in older houses, have been phased out for safety reasons. If these are the only outlets available, only one electrical device should be plugged in at a time. Power strips are reserved for more modern outlets but should also be used sparingly.

Faulty wiring can occur in any home. Lights that frequently flicker or dim at random points throughout the night are usually due to inner wiring problems. This is something only an experienced electrician should handle. If there is a chance that the wiring is unreliable, it should not be used on any device.

When several devices are plugged into one outlet, cords will usually overheat. It is recommended that homeowners periodically touch their devices' cords to ensure they are not warm. Warm cords indicate the outlet is working too hard to support the electricity needed. 

When lights are outside, leaving enough space for each electrical device is especially important. Due to changing elements like wind or rain, safety must be a high priority. Having a timer will help reduce the likelihood of a fire hazard.

The After Party Checklist

Electrical safety reduces the likelihood of a fire hazard from overloaded circuits and poor holiday lighting installation. After a successful party, a few items remain to be crossed off the safety list.

All devices, including battery-operated lights, must be turned off before going to bed. Before going to sleep, homeowners are encouraged to inspect their property for any lights they may have forgotten about and any damage that might have occurred. 

Many candles now come with open glass containers that help prevent wind from influencing the flame. While this is much safer than bare candles, they must always be attended to. Blowing out all the candles is an important and basic safety tip, regardless if it is a holiday. 

Battery-operated candles are a smart alternative for households that want candles to burn all night. Many battery-operated candles have candle holders that produce the same realistic glow as a flame. LED lights are available in most Halloween decoration stores for various safe lighting options.  

About Trustworthy Electric 

Trustworthy Electric provides military discounts for Montgomery, AL, residents. Their expert staff offers personalized service, upfront pricing, and advice backed by years of experience that homeowners can rely on. Call them today to learn more about their holiday lighting installation services. 

Contact Information:

Trustworthy Electric

517 Oliver Rd
Montgomery, AL 36117
United States

Randy Jones
(334) 215-1782
https://www.trustworthyelectric.net/