Halloween is Saturday, October 31, and many of us are already pulling out the lights, inflatables, cobwebs, and pumpkins.
Decorating is fun, but it also adds extra cords, bulbs, and props around your home. A few quick maintenance checks can keep your decorations from becoming a safety problem.
Inspect Your Lights and Cords
Before you plug anything in, look it over.
- Check light strings and extension cords for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires
- Replace damaged cords instead of taping them
- Use lights and cords rated for outdoor use outside
- Do not overload outlets or daisy-chain too many cords together
- Keep plugs and connections off wet ground, and out of sprinkler spray
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for each product, since limits vary.
Swap Open Flames for LED
Candles inside carved pumpkins add atmosphere, but flames and flammable decorations do not mix. Battery-powered LED candles give you the same glow without the risk.
This is also a good idea in Southern California, where warm, dry conditions are common.
Keep Decorations Away From Heat
Fake cobwebs, paper decorations, and fabric props can burn easily. Keep them away from candles, bulbs that get hot, heaters, fireplaces, and grills.
Do not hang decorations over or near light fixtures that run hot.
Secure Props and Inflatables
Windy days can send lightweight decorations flying. Anchor inflatables with the stakes or tie-downs that come with them. Make sure tall props cannot tip over onto the walkway.
Keep Exits and Paths Clear
Decorations should never block your front door, garage, or any exit. Keep cords from crossing the walkway, and leave plenty of room for trick-or-treaters. For more, see our post on keeping your home hazard free at Halloween.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
Decoration season is a good reminder to test your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. For more on fire safety, read 7 Steps You Can Take Today to Help Prevent a House Fire and our Holiday Fire Safety Tips.
Why Check Your Decorations Before Halloween Night
Halloween decorations often go up in a hurry. In Southern California, warm, dry conditions and windy days make a few extra checks worthwhile, especially around lights, cords, and anything that could burn.
Taking ten minutes now, before everything is plugged in and staked down, is much easier than fixing a problem on Halloween night.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If outdoor outlets do not work, trip a breaker, or you see signs of damaged wiring, call a licensed electrician. Do not try to fix electrical problems unless you are qualified.
Prices vary, so ask for a written estimate.
Final Thoughts
A few minutes of checking cords, swapping candles for LEDs, and anchoring your props can help keep your Halloween fun and safe.
Buena Park families can also get a free Halloween Night Survival Kit from CARE Group. For more seasonal advice, browse our home maintenance tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decorate for Halloween safely?
Inspect lights and cords for damage, use outdoor-rated products outside, avoid overloading outlets, use LED candles instead of open flames, and keep decorations away from heat.
Are LED candles safer than real candles in pumpkins?
LED candles do not use an open flame, so they remove the risk of a flame touching flammable decorations.
How do I keep Halloween inflatables from blowing away?
Use the stakes or tie-downs that come with them, and anchor tall props so they cannot tip over.
When should I call an electrician?
Call a licensed electrician if outdoor outlets do not work, keep tripping a breaker, or you see damaged wiring.
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