Halloween is just weeks away with folks across the Mahoning Valley decorating their yards with spooky ghouls and ghosts. But something even scarier is potential safety hazards if certain precautions aren't taken.

That's why FirstEnergy Public Safety Manager, Candace Webb is offering these tips on how to make your home look spooky, but also keep your home and yourself safe.

- Never put any decorations on or near utility equipment such as poles and transformers.

- Inspect each electrical cord of lights and decorations before use. Look for damages such as cracked, frayed or bare wires, damaged sockets or loose connections that can lead to shocks. If a cord is hot, do not use it.

- Use the proper clips for securing lights and decorations. Staples and nails can damage electrical cords.

- Decorative lights should be approved by Underwriter's Laboratory and carry a UL seal on the tag. Red UL marks indicate the lights are approved for indoor and outdoor use. Green marks indicate approval for indoor use only.

- Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into outlets that feature Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

- Indoor lights should not touch window treatments, carpets or furniture.

- Replace traditional candles with flame-free options like flashlights, battery-operated candles or glowsticks to light up your jack-o-lanterns and seasonal decor.

- Keep flammable decorations like cornstalks and bales of hay far away from any open flames or heat sources.

And it wouldn't be Halloween without trick-or-treating. Webb also offered some safety tips to keep families safe during the festivities this year.

- Keep a clear well-lit path at your home for trick-or-treaters. Prevent falls by keeping walkways, steps and porches free of electrical cords and other items that may pose a hazardous risk for tick-or-treaters.

- Carry a flashlight or add reflective tape, LED shoelaces or glowsticks to your costume to make yourself more visible to others.

- Limit travel to well-lit, familiar areas. Always walk in groups and use sidewalks or crosswalks whenever possible.

-  If you're driving, use extra caution and keep an eye out for children crossing the street. Learn the trick or treat hours for your neighborhood to know when to anticipate foot traffic. 21 News has a list of trick-or-treat hours for Valley communities here.