If you'd like to print this page, just go right ahead. I'm using a print style sheet that will print the center contents only, without the background or sidebar. You may want to check your browser print settings to make sure you have image printing turned on. The only images that will print will be the ones in the center column. Check it out in print preview in your browser.
Be sure to check out the latest part of this site, the Halloween Projects and Posts, the blog for this site. Post your comments to the stories, projects, props, recipes, and more.
I've redesigned this site, since I really really like this template. If you're interested in doing your website in valid XHTL with CSS, please let me know. I'll direct you to the very best Halloween style templates on the web and help you get started.
Added a site about the haunted lighthouses that are nearby. I seem to live in the center of the Maine coast haunts. Check it out.
Check out the writeup from the Portland Press Herald Maine Sunday Telegram which came out October 29. Note the Sue Clark quoted in the article. That's me.
Visit with the best haunters on the 'net at Halloween Forum. I'm known as Michigal on there.
Be sure to check the links on the left side of these page for more of my sites.
For all you IE users, if you get a notice that there's active content on this page, it's strictly a javascript running a countdown to Halloween. It's okay to run it, but if you don't you're not really missing anything, other than how few days are left.
One of the most important aspects of your haunt or display is safety, both for you and your family members, and your visitors and/or Trick or Treaters. And one often neglected area is safety for your props. Unfortunately, too many teens and young adults are running wild these days and would think it great fun to destroy or steal your creations. And while it might be tempting to booby trap your props, legally, you cannot, and will be arrested if you try. So taking it in order, here are some tips for your safety, your visitor's safety and your display's safety.
Please keep in mind, too, that these tips are based on a display only, whether it's near your house or along the road like mine, and does not necessarily apply to enclosed walk-throughs or haunted houses. Those have far more concerns than I'll be dealing with here.
Safety For You and Your Family
Always wear safety glasses, ear protection and any other personal protective equipment when working with power tools.
Do not work outside in the wet grass with electrical equipment.
Work in a well ventilated area when working with paints, glues, solvents, and when using woodburning tools or hot wire foam cutters.
Make sure all young kids, no matter how much they like to help, are observed at all times and not allowed to touch electrical items (including motors) or air compressors or use any chemicals.
When cutting small items with power saws, use push tools. Also be aware that saws can hit a knot and cause the wood to buck, risking your fingers and hands.
Always use vises and clamps when cutting; it takes only a few seconds more in time and could prevent injury.
Keep your work area neat. Pick up all nails, screws, tools. Take a tip from LEAN workplaces; have a place for everything and everything in its place. It'll pay off when you want to find a tool, and of course you won't step on a nail or trip on extension cords.
Don't overload your outlets, and make sure anything plugged in outside is GFCI protected. A side note, plugging in a GFCI protected appliance to another GFCI outlet may cause the appliance to not work, or to trip the main GFCI.
Safety For Your Visitors
Don't use leaves or grass to cover extension cords. They're still a trip hazard. Dig a slight trench (it doesn't have to be very deep) and place your cord in it. Cover it with the dirt, then if you want to use leaves, it's fine.
If you have any ponds, pools or bodies of water, make sure they are fenced off. In the dark, it's very easy for a little one to fall in, especially if they're frightened.
Watch out for overhead hazards. Make sure all hanging props are secure, and that natural hazards are out of the way, such as loose tree limbs.
Post signs warning visitors of any rules you may have, especially if live actors are involved. Check out Darkside Productions for a good set of rules.
Safety For Your Props
Do not use paint to color any bulbs, it is a fire hazard. Purchase and use the gel covers that theatrical productions use if you can't find the right color.
Do not set floodlights in or near water. Also, be careful of grasses touching the bulbs, they will get hot and can start a fire.
Stake down your props in case of wind. Flying ghosts are good, unless they go flying down the road.
Vandalism is a real threat. Do not set booby traps, as you will be the one in trouble. The best prevention is motion detector lights, combined with an infrared camera. I'm fortunate in that although my display is away from the house, I have had absolutely no incidents, but others may not be so lucky. Enlisting the help of the local kids in setting up your stuff is always good. If they have a stake in it, they'll get the word out to leave it alone.