Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Halloween is one of the most decorated holidays of the year — but all those glowing pumpkins, string lights, and inflatable displays can also bring real electrical hazards. NFPA has a few important reminders to keep your home festive and safe.
Main Tips:
• Skip the open flames. Use battery-operated candles or LED lights inside pumpkins and decorations.
• Inspect every cord, plug, and light set before you use them. If you see frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections, replace them.
• Avoid plugging too many decorations into one outlet or extension cord. Overloading can cause overheating and fires.
• Keep cords tucked away from walkways so no one trips in the dark.
• If your decorations are outside, make sure they’re plugged into GFCI outlets to protect against shocks from rain or moisture.
Halloween should be scary for the right reasons — not because of an electrical fire.
Visit nfpa.org/halloween for the full list of safety tips and resources.
Halloween is one of the most decorated holidays of the year — but all those glowing pumpkins, string lights, and inflatable displays can also bring real electrical hazards. NFPA has a few important reminders to keep your home festive and safe.
Main Tips:
• Skip the open flames. Use battery-operated candles or LED lights inside pumpkins and decorations.
• Inspect every cord, plug, and light set before you use them. If you see frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections, replace them.
• Avoid plugging too many decorations into one outlet or extension cord. Overloading can cause overheating and fires.
• Keep cords tucked away from walkways so no one trips in the dark.
• If your decorations are outside, make sure they’re plugged into GFCI outlets to protect against shocks from rain or moisture.
Halloween should be scary for the right reasons — not because of an electrical fire.
Visit nfpa.org/halloween for the full list of safety tips and resources.
