Halloween is one of our favorite times of year in the Lehigh Valley. From glowing pumpkins to spooky string lights, it’s the season when front yards transform into haunted houses and sidewalks come alive with trick-or-treaters. At GC Electric, we love seeing our Allentown neighbors get creative with their decorations—but we also know that all those cords, lights, and props can add up to electrical hazards if you’re not careful.
We’ve been serving homeowners and businesses in Allentown, Bethlehem, and the surrounding Pennsylvania communities since 1959, and safety has always been at the heart of what we do. So before you plug in that 12-foot skeleton or line your driveway with lighted pumpkins, check out our top five electrical safety tips for a safe and spooky Halloween.
1. Don’t Overload Your Circuits
It’s tempting to plug multiple decorations into the same outlet, but overloading a circuit is one of the fastest ways to cause tripped breakers—or worse, a fire hazard. Use power strips with built-in surge protectors, and spread your decorations across different outlets when possible. If your breakers are constantly tripping, it might be a sign your electrical panel needs an upgrade.
2. Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Cords
Not all lights are created equal. If you’re hanging string lights on your porch or running cords across your yard, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights aren’t designed to handle moisture, which can lead to short circuits or shocks. At GC Electric, we recommend investing in heavy-duty, weather-resistant extension cords and checking the packaging for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety label.
3. Keep Cords Dry and Out of the Way
With October’s unpredictable weather in Pennsylvania, rain is always a possibility. Keep cords and plugs off the ground when you can, and never run them through puddles or wet grass. To keep trick-or-treaters safe, tape down cords across walkways or route them so they don’t become tripping hazards. A little planning goes a long way to keeping your display fun instead of dangerous.
4. Inspect Decorations Before Plugging Them In
Pulling old lights out of storage? Give them a once-over before you plug them in. Look for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Even a small amount of wear and tear can increase the risk of sparks or electrical fires. If something looks questionable, toss it out and replace it—safety is worth more than saving a string of lights.
5. Consider Energy-Efficient Options
Halloween doesn’t have to send your electric bill soaring. Switch to LED lights, which use far less energy and generate less heat compared to traditional bulbs. LEDs are cooler to the touch, which lowers fire risk, and they’re tough enough to last for many spooky seasons to come.
Keep Your Halloween Safe and Fun in Allentown
At GC Electric, we’ve been keeping families safe with reliable electrical services for more than 60 years. Whether you need an electrical panel upgrade, whole-home surge protection, or just want peace of mind with a professional inspection, our licensed electricians are here to help.
Don’t let a small electrical issue put a damper on your Halloween fun—or your family’s safety. If you’re in Allentown, Bethlehem, or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, give us a call today.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy all the tricks and treats this Halloween!
