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Dear Willie,
Every year when my neighbors start decorating for the holidays, I start getting nervous!  Let's just say that not everything they are doing would pass code.  Could you remind everyone how to safely decorate for Halloween and Christmas?

Nervous in Logan County

Hi Nervous!

I can understand your concern and would be more than happy to pass along some safety tips!  Hopefully your neighbors are faithful readers.

Halloween haunts usually mean strings of decorative lights, fog machines, strobe and black lights, "animatronics" and other electrically powered decorations.  These things all add to the abiance of a creepy house, but they also create the added dangers of fire, electrocution, and oter nasty and potentially dangerous accidents.  It is important that you look for and eliminate potential dangers that could lead to fires and injuries.

Carefully inspect each electrical decoration.  Cracked or frayed plugs, loose or bare wires and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.  If you find any of these problems, discard damaged light sets and replace damaged power cords.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.  Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks.  Or run strings of lights through hooks.  Don't staple or nil through light strings or electrical cords - you could damage the wire insulation.

Don't overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.  Before using any light strings, animated displays or other electrical products outdoors, make sure the product is approved for outdoor use.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.  Don't use electrical decorations or light strings on materials that could catch fire.  It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.  Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

Make sure the scares at your home are just for fun, not because of an electrical accident.