Halloween haunts usually mean strings of decorative lights, fog machines, strobe and black lights, animatronics, electrically powered decorations and the list goes on. These things all add to the ambience of your haunt, but they also create the added dangers of fire, electrocution and other nasty and potentially disastrous accidents. It is very important that you look for and eliminate potential dangers from your Halloween lights and decorations that could lead to fires and injuries. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire. Discard damaged sets and buy new.

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 strings in place, not nails or tacks. You can also run strings of lights through small hooks (available at hardware stores). Don't staple or nail through light strings or electrical extension cords, you could damage the wire or insulation, which could lead to an electrical shock or fire. Don't overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or on the ground. Before using any light strings, animated displays or other electrical products outdoors, make sure the product is approved by a nationally recognized certification organization and marked "for outdoor use", it should be UL Rated. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Don't use electrical decorations or light strings on materials that could catch fire. It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations. Most light sets and props will include how many can be safely strung together.

Again turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire as you sleep or while you are gone. Always have at least one fire extinguisher available and know how to use it. In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.