STAY SHOCK FREE AND AVOID A HOUSE OF HORRORS THIS HALLOWEEN

Whether setting up spooky decorations, lighting up the home or arranging a haunted house, following electrical safety precautions this Halloween is essential. To ensure no one receives a spooky electric shock, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical businesses – is warning homeowners to stay safe and mindful when dealing with electricals this eerie season.

As homeowners prepare for the most terrifying night of the year, Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, shares his top five tips on avoiding a house of horrors this Halloween.

1. Set up Safely: before setting up a scary display, take into account the number of electrical socket-outlets needed and be sure to not overload them. Overloading can lead to overheating, which can cause electrical fires
2. Professional Help: if you’re planning an over-the-top display, extra socket-outlets may be required, therefore, it is vital that a certified electrical business is employed to complete the work safely and to required standards
3. Observe Decorations: when recovering ghostly decorations from storage, be sure to inspect them for any frayed or damaged cables. Play it safe and always replace any faulty items
4. Outdoor Safety: if planning to light up the garden or outdoor space, be sure to use weatherproof decorations that are specifically designed for outdoor use. It’s important to make sure all electrical equipment being used is protected by using a residual current device (RCD), which automatically cuts off the electricity if a fault is discovered
5. Keep Children Educated: teach children about the importance of electrical safety during Halloween. Make sure they understand not to touch or tamper with electrical decorations or cables

For further information or to search for your nearest NICEIC Certified electrical business, visit www.niceic.com.