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Halloween: A Time for Fun but Safety First!

As October rolls in and Halloween approaches, communities across the country are gearing up for a night filled with costumes, treats, and festive decorations. However, amidst the fun and festivities, it’s crucial to highlight that safety should always come first. With guidance from experts like FirstEnergy Corp., individuals can enjoy a thrilling Halloween while minimizing any risks.

Decorating Safely at Home

Halloween decorations are an indispensable part of the celebration, transforming homes into spooky spectacles. To ensure a safe environment while decorating, adhere to the following tips:

1. Maintaining Safe Distances: Make sure that neither you nor your decorations are positioned within 10 feet of power lines. This distance is essential to avoid any electrical mishaps.
2. Avoid Risky Attachments: Refrain from attaching decorations to utility poles or any electrical equipment, as this poses serious safety hazards.
3. Report Problems Promptly: If any decorations or stray items become entangled with power lines, do not attempt to remove them yourself. Instead, call 888-LIGHTSS for assistance, ensuring everyone’s safety.
4. Inspect Your Lights: Before plugging in any lights, check for damages such as cracks or frayed wires. Replace any malfunctioning cords immediately.
5. Choosing the Right Lights: Only use lights that have been certified by recognized safety standards—look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) tag. Red indicates that they are safe for both indoor and outdoor use, while green is meant for indoor use only.
6. Use GFCI Outlets: When decorating outdoors, utilize ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent shocks.
7. Secure Decorations Properly: Use clips to secure lights instead of staples or nails, which could damage cords and create hazards.
8. Opt for Safe Lighting Alternatives: For illuminating decorations, consider flame-free options like LED candles, flashlights, or glow sticks instead of traditional candles, which can pose fire risks.
9. Maintain Distance from Flammable Materials: Keep flammable decorations, such as cornstalks, away from heat sources or flames.
10. Indoor Light Safety: Ensure that indoor lights are placed away from curtains, carpets, and furniture to prevent accidental fires.

Halloween Night Safety

When the day arrives for children to embark on their candy hunt, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

• - Keep Areas Well-Lit: Clear pathways and entryways of obstacles, ensuring they are well-lit to prevent trips and falls during the exciting night.
• - Enhance Visibility: Costumes should incorporate reflective materials or glow sticks to improve visibility to motorists.
• - Flashlight Necessity: Always carry a flashlight to navigate safely through neighborhoods.
• - Walking Cautiously: Children should be reminded to walk instead of run, sticking to sidewalks and utilizing crosswalks whenever possible to avoid accidents.
• - Motorist Awareness: Drivers should be extra vigilant during Halloween, actively looking out for children who may be crossing the road unexpectedly.

In conclusion, while Halloween is undoubtedly a time of excitement and fun, it’s imperative to maintain a focus on safety. Following these guidelines can help ensure that everyone enjoys this spooky season in a safe environment. With the support of companies like FirstEnergy, communities can celebrate Halloween with joy, laughter, and peace of mind, knowing that safety is paramount every step of the way.

For further insights and safety tips, follow FirstEnergy on their official social media platforms or check their website for more resources. Happy Halloween!