Electrical Safety Tips for the Winter Season

The same weather that brings a day full of sled riding, building snowmen, and making snow angels with your kids also brings the potential for dangers within your home. 

Before piling onto the couch with hot chocolate and movies, you probably turn on a variety of safety hazards hiding in plain sight. 

Electrical Hazards

From fireplaces to electrical devices, you use a variety of tools to keep your home warm and cozy in the winter. However, some of these devices can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Knowing electrical safety will aid in keeping your home and family safe and sound this wintery season. 

Tip 1: Don't Leave Space Heaters Unattended

Space heaters alone cause 40% of home fires every year. Before you leave your home, make sure the heater is unplugged, and turn it off before leaving a room or going to bed.

Also, be sure to not plug these heaters into a power strip or electrical cord. They are not equipped to handle the high electrical current. 

Tip 2: Be Aware of Christmas Light Safety

While the twinkling lights of your tree are soothing and fun to admire, fire hazards are very likely if left on too long. Just like space heaters it is important to turn off your decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed. 

This rule applies for outdoor lights as well. Be sure you are using the appropriate extension cord specifically for outdoor usage, and always avoid decorating near a power line. 

Tip 3: Monitor Electrical Outlets

Your home calls for a variety of outlet usage that increases this time of year. Space heaters, Christmas lights, phone chargers, iPad chargers, computer chargers, and more all need to be plugged in at the same time. However, this presents the risk of overloading the outlet and causing a fire.

Only one high-wattage device should be plugged into an outlet at a time in order to ensure it is not overloaded. 

Let the Professionals Keep You Safe

While these tips are useful in managing your electrical devices, it is important to have a professional make maintenance checks to your wiring and fuse boxes to ensure everything is working properly. 

Keep your family safe this season by contacting the BCU professionals. 

Contact BCU Electric for electrical maintenance checks and updates.