As Halloween approaches, FirstEnergy Corp. is reminding families to make safety a priority when decorating homes and guiding children on their candy routes. The company is sharing practical advice to help keep the holiday “spooky and safe.”
Haunt your house safely:
FirstEnergy urges residents to be mindful of power lines and electrical equipment when setting up decorations. Homeowners should keep themselves and decorations at least 10 feet away from power lines and never attach items to utility poles or electrical equipment.
If an item becomes entangled in a power line, residents should not attempt to retrieve it and instead call 888-LIGHTSS for assistance.
When plugging in lights or inflatables, FirstEnergy recommends checking cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wires, and unplugging any that become hot. Homeowners should also:
- Use only cords with a UL safety tag (red for indoor/outdoor, green for indoor only).
- Plug outdoor decorations into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to prevent shocks.
- Secure cords with clips instead of staples or nails.
- Choose flame-free lighting, such as flashlights, LED candles, or glow sticks, for pumpkins and décor.
- Keep flammable materials, including cornstalks and curtains, away from heat sources.
No tricks, just treats on Halloween night: Before trick-or-treating, homeowners should keep walkways clear and well-lit to avoid tripping hazards. Costumes should include reflective material or glow sticks to improve visibility, and children should carry flashlights and use crosswalks.
Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for children crossing the streets during local trick-or-treat hours.
