Be Scary, Not Stupid With Halloween Decorations

It's OK to want knock-em-dead decorations for Halloween, but electricity providers say it is essential to use a little common sense when operating that fog machine, black light or screaming skeleton.   

Follow these dos and don'ts provided by the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) to avoid fire, injury or electrocution.

• Don’t place cords in snow or water.

• Make sure electrical decorations are approved by a nationally-recognized certification organization, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

• Don't use indoor decorations outside.

• Inspect light strings for dangerous cracked, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out dangerous strings.

• When installing light strings, fasten them securely to trees, railings, or other firm supports, but don’t puncture them with nails or staples.

• Don’t connect too many light strings together or overload circuit breakers or fuses.

• Plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. Purchase portable outdoor GFCIs at electrical, hardware or home supply stores.

• If using incandescent holiday lights that produce heat, or if using candles, keep them away from dry leaves or children in costume. LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights don’t produce heat and are safer – and use less energy.

• Have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it.

• Turn out all lights and decorations before leaving or going to bed.

• Make sure house walkways are clear and well lit for trick-or-treaters.

For more electrical safety information, visit novec.com/Safety/Index.cfm or the Electrical Safety Foundation International at electrical-safety.org.

NOVEC is a not-for-profit corporation that distributes electricity and energy services to more than 146,000 customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Clarke counties and Manassas Park, making it one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation. For more information, visit .novec.com or call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.