Happy Halloween! Here are a few electrical safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday. 

• Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string.
• Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will connect to them.
• Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings.
• Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas.
• Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.
• Use only insulated staples to hold light strings in place, not nails or tacks.
• Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects.
• Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use.
• Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you from electric shocks.
• Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walkway areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can trip over them or become entangled.