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Water and electricity never mix, which is why outdoor light fixtures should be inspected for damage on a regular basis. The first thing to check is the fixture wiring. If any wires appear to be exposed, the fixture is in immediate need of repair. Although such wires are most often insulated, the contacts at the base of the fixture can easily deliver a nasty shock. Wondering children or pets can be easily lured in by the shiny light.
At the same time, examine the bulb and socket for damages. Cracked or broken bulbs should be pulled out and replaced. If the bulb cannot be removed because the glass is gone, a potato can be jammed in to unscrew it. Exterior lighting fixtures which have faulty switches or extreme corrosion inside should be replaced.
One step in maintaining light fixture safety is to use solar garden lighting. Few outdoor lights are as safe as the ones powered by solar energy. They run off of very low voltage and current, and all of the electronics are safety stored within the fixture. Even if you were able to physically touch the wiring, the shock received would be harmless. Solar lights may not be as powerful as wired ones, but deliver an effective amount of illumination and turn on by themselves.
People who want a wired system should consider using a low voltage lighting kit. Low voltage lights are powered by a 12 volt transformer which can be plugged into any wall outlet. The voltage is low enough to not pose a threat to people or animals. Users can connect multiple light strings to a single transformer, assuming that the transformer has a high enough wattage rating. Wired kits can be more powerful and reliable than solar lights in some cases. You can connect them to a solar timer as well.
