Lifetime of Safety - October 2008

Lifetime of Safety

Additional Lifetime of Safety Resources

Oncor Tips to Safely Light the Way for Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is fast approaching, and before you know it, goblins, ghosts, superheroes and even princesses will be at your door. Make it safe for these and all the trick-or-treaters that knock on your door this year by decorating in an electrically safe manner.

The scary part is that roughly four times as many children aged 5 to 14 years are killed while walking on Halloween night compared with any other time of the year, with falls being the leading cause of these deaths. One way to help prevent these falls are by making sure decorations do not lead to tripping hazards.

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. Remove obstacles from sidewalks and pathways and be sure to light anything in the yard that could be a tripping hazard. All outdoor lighting should be grounded, including low-voltage outdoor security lights and any Halloween lights.

Because children often cut through yards, driveways and alleys, these areas should be clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flowerpots. In addition, homeowners should remember these decorating tips when getting out the jack-o-lanterns and spooky décor:

Halloween Electric Safety

  • Use battery-powered lights or light sticks in Jack-O-Lanterns instead of candles.
  • 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).
  • Don't decorate utility poles, transformers or meters.

Safety is Oncor's No. 1 priority. In the spirit of having a safe Halloween, remember these safety tips for your trick-or-treaters:

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.

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