Winter is upon us, and with that comes snow, potentially high winds, cold weather, and new electrical hazards. While every season of the year comes with its own electrical safety challenges, it is important that you stay prepared for any complications that can be caused by inclement weather. Protect your home with the following winter electrical safety tips. Tim Kyle Electric is a residential electrical service in Towson dedicated to maintaining your home electrical needs efficiently and safely.
Safety Tips
Space heaters should always be placed at a distance from curtains, beds, walls, couches, and any other household items. While they are an effective cost-cutting solution, they can pose a potential electrical hazard. Make sure that they are never placed near any flammable materials. Never leave the heater on when you are not home, and make sure that the outlet in use is not overloaded with other items.
Also, plan ahead for any potential power outages. Ice, snow, and wind can knock down tree branches and send cars careening into power lines. This often causes frequent outages that leave many residential areas unprepared. It is crucial that you prepare for a potential outage in the winter that could last hours or even days. Do this by creating your own emergency kit. This kit should contain flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and fuel.
If you are fortunate enough to have a generator to run your home in the interim, make sure that it is set up and ready to go in the event of an outage. Candles are not recommended due to the potential fire hazard, but LED candles are a good alternative. You can also use a gas-powered space heater, but always make sure that it is never left unattended.
Check Your Electrical System
Finally, when preparing for a potential power outage or other emergency, winter-proof your home. Check for exposed wires. Many homes have areas where there can be potential leaks after a freeze and subsequent thaw. Check your interior walls and ceiling for these areas and any places that may have exposed wire that could come into contact with water. Use a surge protector. A surge protector can protect your appliances in the event of a power outage. Also, if your home experiences a power outage, unplug your appliances and other electronic devices. Turn off your lights. These steps can prevent surges from damaging your appliances and other devices.
Residential Electrical Service in Towson
If you would like to learn more tips for protecting your home from electrical hazards or ensure that your home is safe for winter, contact Tim Kyle Electric.