Lifetime of Safety - October 2007

Lifetime of Safety

Additional Lifetime of Safety Resources

Outside electric lights and decorations let Halloween trick-or-treaters know they are welcome. Decorations and spooky effects are fun, but they can be dangerous to little ones who are so excited they forget to be careful. Part of making an entryway welcoming this holiday season is making it safe.

Homeowners are responsible for making their entryways fun and safe. Oncor outlines these common sense rules to apply when decorating or trick-or-treating:

Home Decorating

  • All outdoor lighting should be grounded, including low-voltage outdoor security lights and any Halloween lights.
  • Outdoor fixtures should be rated as "water-resistant/UL approved for outdoor use." Consider using break-resistant fixtures or decorations outside.
  • Use only covered electric outlets with GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters).
  • Keep electric cords for Halloween decorations off the sidewalk and other pathways. If using light stakes, make sure kids can't trip over the cord between the sticks.
  • Don’t decorate utility poles, transformers or meters.
  • Use battery-powered lights or light sticks in Jack-O-Lanterns instead of candles.
  • Remove obstacles from sidewalks and pathways and be sure to light anything in the yard that could be a tripping hazard. Because children often cut through yards, driveways and alleys, these areas should be clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flowerpots.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

  • Children should only go to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.
  • Make sure children carry flashlights, glow sticks or have reflective tape on their costumes.
  • Because costumes can be extremely flammable, keep away from open fires and candles.
  • Don't cut across yards or driveways. Always use the sidewalk and cross streets at corners, never between parked cars.
  • Children should not enter homes, apartments or vehicles unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Be sure to keep pets inside. Pets are easily frightened on Halloween. Keeping pets inside also protects them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.

For more electric safety tips, go to www.oncor.com. Click on "Community" and go to "Kid's Corner" and "Electrical Safety World."

Get Adobe Reader You will need the Adobe Acrobat© Reader to view a .pdf file. To download the FREE viewer, click here and follow the simple instructions.