Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA--Halloween should be fun and safe. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative advises adults and parents of trick-or-treat ghosts, goblins, and little princesses to use decorative Halloween lights, fog machines, black lights, and animatronics safely to avoid fires or electrocution. Follow these do’s and don’ts:
- Make sure electrical decorations are approved by a nationally recognized certification organization, such as Underwriters Laboratory. Look for the UL label.
- Make sure decorations used outdoors are marked for outdoor use.
- Inspect light strings for dangerous cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, or loose connections.
- When installing light strings, fasten them securely to trees, walls or other firm supports, but don’t puncture them with nails or staples.
- If using incandescent holiday lights that produce heat, keep them away from dry leaves and children wearing flammable costumes. LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights do not produce heat and are safer – and use less energy than standard holiday lights.
- Read instructions to know how many light strings can be connected together safely. Don’t overload circuit breakers or fuses.
- Don’t tuck power cords or extension cords under rugs or drapes. Don’t place cords in snow or water.
- Always unplug light strings before replacing bulbs.
- Plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.
- Turn out all lights and decorations before leaving or going to bed. Always have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it.
- Make sure house walkways are clear and well-lit for trick-or-treaters.
For more electrical safety information, visit www.novec.com and click on Safety under the “Residential” tab on the home page. Also, visit the Home Safety Council, www.homesafetycouncil.org, and the Electrical Safety Foundation International, www.electrical-safety.org.
