October is National Clean Energy Action Month
Celebrate Energyween - a celebration of energy efficiency tips, tricks and treats to save energy at home as cooler weather lurks just around the corner.
A safe celebration is the best celebration, and following basic electrical safety guidelines will help you avoid real scares.
Halloween lights can cause a power outage!
Use the following tips for a safe and happy Halloween:
Tricks, Treats & Safety Make Halloween A Scream!
Whether decorating or using extension cords in general, read the label on both the cord and the appliances that are plugged into it to make sure the cord can handle the load. If it can’t, use a higher-rated cord or unplug some appliances. Remember that extension cords are meant for temporary, not permanent, use.
Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings.
Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas.
Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical 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 light strings in place, not nails or tacks.
Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects.
Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use.
Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you from electric shocks.
Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Halloween night is not the time to take a trip.
When it’s time to hang up the costume and retire for the evening — or if you’re leaving home for a few hours — make sure you turn off your electrical decorations.
A SAFER JACK-O’-LANTERN
Rather than use a candle or a household lightbulb to light up your jack-o’-lantern this Halloween, consider battery-operated lights. Another option is one of the new LED bulbs available.
These options are much cooler, creating less risk of fire or burns. LEDs only use one-quarter as much electricity as incandescent bulbs and may last 25 times longer. Many of the new LEDs have programmable colors and patterns to make your jack-o’-lantern even spookier.
If you still use a fixture in your pumpkin you must plug in, no matter what kind of bulb or LED you use, be sure to unplug it before you leave it unattended or turn in for the night.
Sources: Energyween - Department of Energy, Safeelectricity: Tricks, Treats & Safety Make Halloween A Scream!
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