10/25/2025
Without the right precautions, Halloween decorations in your home and yard can pose a risk to your family and to trick-or-treaters who come to your door. Follow these tips for a safe - yet spooky - Halloween Holiday !
Make Your Halloween Decorations Safe
Create a well-lit path.
A dark and scary Halloween night can be made less so with proper lighting for costumed visitors. Check the lighting for your front entryway or porch and replace any damaged or nonworking bulbs. If accessible areas such as the front yard and walkway aren't well-lit, add walkway lights or flashlights.
Remove or highlight potential tripping hazards.
Clear your lawn, steps and porch of any obstacles. Make sure tree roots and other hazards are clearly marked, and secure temporary extension cords. Be sure that the extension cords you use outdoors are rated for outdoor use.
Avoid open flames.
Jack-o'-lanterns with burning candles require constant supervision and can pose a risk to trailing parts of flammable costumes. Opt for battery-operated candles or LED lights instead.
Don't overload extension cords.
If you have a lot of interior decorations that require power, make sure you're not putting too much strain on your extension cords. Your cord should be the correct amps for what you're plugging into it. Check the cord periodically: If any part of the cord, the plug or the socket is hot, discontinue use to prevent overheating.