Halloween Décor – Keeping it Safe Outdoors!
When it comes to holiday decorating, Halloween is second only to Christmas. Every year, more homeowners personalize their yards with spooky displays—lights, webs, inflatables, and all kinds of creepy décor. It’s the October version of the famous Griswold house come to life!
But when you’re decorating the outside of your home, safety should always come first. Here are some tips to help you plan your landscape of lost souls… if you dare!
Lights
Test each strand of lights before hanging them, just as you would with Christmas lights. Make sure cords are intact, not frayed or split, and that plugs are firmly attached. Replace any burned-out bulbs—always with the lights unplugged. Discard and replace any light strings that are not in perfect condition; they’re inexpensive and easy to swap out.
Be sure you’re using lights rated for outdoor use. Look for a red UL symbol on the tag, indicating they’ve been tested and approved for outdoor decorating. Lights marked with a green UL symbol are for indoor use only.
Extension cords should be heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords. They are designed to perform safely in a wide range of weather conditions. Check the label on the cord for its maximum capacity, then add up the wattage of each item you’ll plug into it to make sure you don’t overload the circuit.
Keep cords safely out of the way using plastic hooks or clips. Never use metal staples or nails, which can damage the cords and create a risk of electrical shock or fire.
Candles
Jack-o’-lanterns are a classic part of Halloween decorating, and the flicker of candlelight adds the perfect eerie glow. However, open flames can be hazardous. LED candles are a smart alternative—they provide the same spooky shimmer in pumpkins and paper bag luminaries without the fire risk.
Decorations
Choose decorations that are flame resistant or fireproof—always read the labels. As an extra safety measure, keep all items away from heat sources such as candles, light bulbs, or overloaded electrical outlets. Be especially careful with fake spider webs, as many are highly flammable.
Think carefully about where decorations are placed. Avoid putting items too close to sidewalks, pathways, and mailboxes where they can become tripping hazards. If cords must cross areas where people walk, secure them with duct tape or run them under carpet runners or large mats.
Make sure hanging decorations aren’t dangling at head height, where they can hit visitors or interfere with costume masks and headdresses. For inflatables, use a timer so they don’t run constantly. These decorations rely on motors to stay inflated, and if they overheat, they can become a fire risk.
Even though you’re aiming for a dark and creepy look, be sure to leave enough general lighting so visitors and trick-or-treaters can safely find their way to your front door through your haunted display.
With an eye on safety, you can create a spooky Halloween scene that’s both fun and safe—and a guaranteed hit with your neighbors and guests!
