Top 5 Fall and Winter Electrical Safety Tips

• Inspect Your Heating Devices

When the temperatures drop, portable heaters and electric blankets become our best friends. However, they can also be a fire hazard if not used correctly. Ensure they're in good condition before plugging in that heater or snuggling up with an electric blanket.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, unplug it immediately. You might need to call an electrician for a professional electrical inspection.

• Check Holiday Decorations Carefully

The festive season brings an array of beautiful lights and decorations. Always check light strings for broken bulbs, exposed wires, or loose connections before hanging them up. Use decorations labeled for outdoor use only if you’re putting them outside, as indoor lights are not designed to withstand weather conditions.

• When in doubt, consult an electrical repair service to ensure your outlets and extension cords can handle the extra load. Overloading circuits is a common cause of electrical fires during the holidays. To stay safe, use surge protectors and limit the number of items plugged into one outlet.

• Schedule an Electrical Inspection

• Fall and winter are ideal times to schedule a home electrical inspection. With heating systems, holiday lights, and extra indoor activities, your home’s electrical system works harder than usual during these months.
• A licensed electrician can identify potential hazards like outdated wiring or overloaded circuits. One little precaution can spare you the stress of dealing with electrical fires or power outages when you need your lights and appliances most—like during holiday dinner or a cozy winter evening.

• Be Cautious with Outdoor Power Sources

If you use outdoor outlets for lighting or inflatables, make sure they’re weatherproof. Use outdoor ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to protect against electrical shocks. Only use cords designed for outdoor use, as indoor cords aren’t built to withstand rain, snow, or freezing temperatures.

If you’re unsure about your outdoor power setup, a quick visit from an professional electrician can give you peace of mind. Safety-conscious homeowners can count on us to swap out old outlets for GFCI ones, providing an extra layer of protection and guaranteeing compliance with the latest safety codes.

• Don’t Ignore Flickering Lights or Tripped Breakers

If your lights flicker or your circuit breakers trip frequently, don’t brush it off. While it might be tempting to ignore these minor annoyances, they can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. A professional electrical inspection can pinpoint the cause of these problems and offer solutions. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as redistributing the load on your circuits.

Mr. Electric

Electrical safety is a concern year-round but becomes even more critical during fall and winter. During these seasons, our homes rely on electricity more than ever, from heaters to holiday lights.

If you ever feel unsure about your home’s electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician. Whether it’s a routine electrical inspection or an urgent need for an electrical repair service, taking action now can save you from bigger headaches later. Stay safe and enjoy the season!