October 21, 2024

As neighborhoods across the country gear up for Halloween – and other upcoming holidays – we are reminding employees to stay safe while decorating this fall. Celebrating responsibly can help people of all ages enjoy the season injury-free and keep power flowing reliably.

“As Halloween approaches, it’s important to remember that while it’s a time for fun and spooky celebrations, it’s also a time when electrical hazards can be particularly scary,” said Candy Webb, Manager, Public Safety. “While you’re enjoying festivities with family or friends, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential electrical and fire risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable season for everyone.”

Safe and Spooky Decorating

With Halloween decorations becoming more elaborate, take time to recognize and minimize potential risks. Follow these safety measures while decorating:

• Never put any decorations on or near utility equipment, like poles and transformers.
• Inspect each electrical cord of lights and decorations before use. Look for damage such as cracked, frayed or bare wires, damaged sockets or loose connections that can lead to shocks. If a cord is hot, don’t use it.
• Use the proper clips for securing lights and decorations. Staples and nails can damage electrical cords.
• Decorative lights should be approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory and carry a UL seal on the tag. Red UL marks indicate the lights are approved for indoor or outdoor use, while green UL tags indicate approval for indoor use only.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into outlets that feature Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Indoor lights should not touch window treatments, carpet or furniture.
• Replace traditional candles with flame-free options like flashlights, battery-operated candles or glow sticks to light up your jack-o’-lanterns or seasonal decor.
• Keep flammable decorations, like cornstalks and bales of hay, far away from any open flames or heat sources, such as candles, heaters and light bulbs.

Stay Safe While Trick-or-Treating

Undoubtedly the highlight for many revelers, trick-or-treating presents risks, especially as the sun goes down. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Maintain a clear, well-lit path at your home for trick-or-treaters. Prevent falls by keeping walkways, steps and porches free of electrical cords or any other items that may pose a hazard for trick-or-treaters.
• Carry a flashlight or add reflective tape, LED shoelaces or glow sticks to your costume to make yourself more visible to others in dark or dimly lit areas.
• Limit travel to well-lit, familiar areas. Always walk in groups and use sidewalks or crosswalks whenever possible.
• Motorists should use extra caution and keep an eye out for children crossing the street. Know the trick-or-treat hours in your neighborhood and anticipate heavy foot traffic.

Learn more about FirstEnergy’s Stop. Look. Live. public safety campaign and review other safety tips at www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety.