PORTER RANCH, Calif. (KABC) — Southern Californians are preparing for the return of the Santa Ana winds, which can mean an increased risk of wildfires, as well as flying tree branches and power lines.

And coming so close to Halloween means other dangers for some homeowners.

Arnie Padilla of Burbank still has an elaborate display in his home, paying homage to Alice in Wonderland. But the winds have him nervous. Not only could they send his screen flying around the neighborhood, but he knows there’s also a risk of electrical sparks.

“I have to stay up all night revising,” Padilla said. “Every second I hear the wind in the window making a little whistle, I say, ‘Okay, come out and check it out.’

Firefighters say the winds make even the smallest spark dangerous.

“We’re sitting at 55 to 85 miles (per hour) in the mountains for gusts and sustained winds and in the valleys we’re looking at 35 to 55,” said Capt. Sheila Kelliher of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Kelliher advises residents to stay away from activities that could be dangerous during such high winds.

“If you’re gardening or mowing the lawn, wait until the wind stops blowing,” Kelliher said. “Wait until you have a better chance of not starting a fire.”