For many, Halloween is a time for candy, costumes, and in some cases, outdoor lighting or inflatable decorations. While preparing for parties and trick-or-treaters, follow these outdoor lighting safety precautions when decorating:

• Inspect each electrical decoration. Check cords for cracking, fraying, or bare wires, as they may cause a severe shock or start a fire. Also, inspect for damaged plugs.
• Replace any damaged decorations.
• Make sure any lights, animated displays, or other electrical outdoor products are safety tested by a reputable laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and approved for outdoor use.
• Don’t overload extension cords or allow them to run through water on the ground.
• Plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into ground fault circuit interrupter-protected outlets.

When decorating outside, always look up, and check that you and any equipment, such as ladders, are at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Always carry a ladder or other long object or tool in a horizontal position.

For more electrical safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.