Electrical Hazards Can Be Frightening

Keep the fun, lose the scary, with a few Halloween tips

The decorations, fog machines, black lights and animatronics of Halloween make for adventurous, entertaining times for children and adults. With these festivities, though, the risk of fire or electrocution could be lurking around the corner.

It is important to check for electrical hazards before accidents happen. Being proactive is the best way to keep Halloween from haunting you this year.

Use the following tips to prevent electrical hazards:

• Inspect electrical decorations. Look for cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections.
• Read manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance. Check the instructions to see how many light strings can be connected together.
• Always unplug light strings before replacing any bulbs.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, walls or other firm supports. Do not use nails or tacks that could puncture light strings or electrical/extension cords.
• Provide well-lit walkways and porch lighting for trick-or-treaters. Make sure the walkways are clear of anything little feet could trip over.
• Don’t overload extension cords or place them near, or in, snow or water.
• Make sure electrical decorations are approved by a nationally recognized certification organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, and marked for outdoor use if you are using them outside. Check http://www.cpsc.gov or http://www.ul.com for recalls. Many Halloween toys have been recalled in the past by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Do not overload your circuit breakers or fuses.
• Plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. Test your GFCIs to make sure they work properly.
• Make sure decorative lighting is well-ventilated, protected from weather and a safe distance from anything flammable, such as dry leaves and shrubs. Do not coil power cords or extension cords while in use or tuck under rugs or drapes.
• Turn out all lights and decorations before leaving or going to bed.
• Always have at least one fire extinguisher available and know how to use it.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Home Safety Council

Be Prepared For Dark Nights or Chilling Days

In many parts of the country, Halloween marks the beginning of colder, wetter weather. It will not be long before snow, ice and freezing wind descends upon you—if it hasn’t already—with the possibility of power outages.

A home survival kit will help you and your family avoid mishaps when the temperature drops or the lights go out.

The Essentials:

• Food: Have a supply of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods and dried fruits. Remember baby food and formula if you have young children.
• Water: In case water pipes freeze or rupture, keep a supply of tap water or purchase bottled water. The recommended amount of water to keep is 1 gallon for each person per day.
• Medicines: Roads may be inaccessible for several days due to a winter storm. Make sure to order or refill any prescriptions that family members may need.
• Identification: Keep forms of identification with you such as Social Security card, passport, photo ID and driver’s license. In addition, make sure to have bank account information and insurance policies. 

Emergency Materials

• Dry firewood for a fireplace or wood stove
• Kerosene for a kerosene heater
• Furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil)
• Electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and nonglowing elements
• Blankets
• Matches
• First Aid Kit and instruction manual
• Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio, clock/watch
• Extra batteries
• Shovel
• Rock salt
• Nonelectric can opener

When creating a winter survival kit for your home, consider factors that are specific to your home and family.

For instance, if your home is isolated or on the outskirts of a residential area, making it more difficult for help to reach you, make sure to stock additional amounts of food, water and medicine. Listening to weather forecasts regularly can provide you with several days notice to allow you to check emergency materials and to stock-up on essential supplies.

Some modern conveniences, such as space heaters and backup generators, can help you manage inclement weather easier, but be sure to follow instructions on how and where to use them.

Space Heaters

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home fire occurs every 82 seconds in the United States. To heat your home safely, look for equipment bearing the UL mark for proven safety testing.

• Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, including furniture, bedding, clothing and pets.
• Turn heaters off when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Supervise children at all times when space heaters are in use.
• Check for frayed or split wires, or overheating.
• Have all problems repaired by a professional.

Backup Generators

Never connect a generator directly to your home’s internal wiring. The electrical “backfeed” can injure or kill utility workers repairing power lines. When using a generator:

• Hire a licensed electrician  to install a transfer switch that distributes power from the generator to the home’s circuit box. When the power goes out, you simply crank up the generator and run a single extension cord from it to the transfer switch.
• Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside, where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home.
• Use a generator in only well-ventilated and dry areas located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
• Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator.

Posted September 26th