It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner, and we all know when the seasons change, there’s certain things we have to do around the house to prepare for new weather. With fall comes decorating for Halloween, setting pumpkins out on the porch, and finding costumes for the kids, but as the weather cools down, you’ll want to make sure your home’s electric system is also prepared.
Keep on reading for some general electrical safety tips you’ll want to follow this fall!
Test Your Smoke Alarms
As the weather gets colder, you’re probably going to be using more of your appliances and electronics, so it’s important to make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. Always make sure your smoke alarm has new batteries. In the event of an electrical fire, your smoke alarm will detect the fire and warn you and your family before the situation gets worse.
Be Careful with Space Heaters
If you want to save energy and cut down on electric bills, space heaters are a great way to warm up a single room, but they can also be hazardous if not used properly. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord and always make sure there is nothing flammable within three feet of the unit.
Rake Up Your Leaves
We all know our favorite part of fall is the leaves changing colors and the weather being a perfect 55 degrees. While the leaves make for a great photoshoot in our yards, they can also catch fire easily if they are piled up near any outdoor outlets or fixtures. One little spark can cause a lot of damage, so make sure to rake up those leaves and keep them away from your outlets.
Unplug Unused Appliances
Like we mentioned above, as the weather gets cooler, most homeowners start using more appliances, specifically for baking around the holidays. Now, we’re not telling you to unplug your oven, but appliances like air fryers, coffee makers, and toasters should be unplugged when they aren’t in use. This also prevents you from wasting energy!
Keep Appliances Away from Water
This goes without saying, but water and electronics are not a good combo. With the kitchen being heavily used during fall, make sure your appliances are kept away from the sink and any other water that could easily spill on them.
Check Your Extension Cords
While it’s recommended to avoid using extension cords as much as possible, you’ll probably need to use one or two to plug in your holiday lights. If it’s necessary to use extension cords in your home, make sure you check them for any damage prior to use. If you notice they are damaged, replace them right away as they are not safe to continue using.
Pro tip: Your extension cords should have surge protectors to avoid any electrical outlet overloads.
Use Electric Blankets Safely
There’s nothing like getting into a warm, toasty bed at night when the weather outside is getting chilly. Electric blankets are a great way to feel nice and cozy while you sleep at night and most of them have timers on them to automatically shut off after a few hours. You still have to be careful with these blankets as they can be quite hazardous if the wiring has any cracks or fraying.
Make Sure Outdoor Electronics are Weatherproof
If you use outdoor lights and outlets you need to make sure they are weatherproof, as fall comes with some rain and moisture. Outdoor outlets should be GFCI outlets that have bubble covers to protect against rain and moisture that could cause electrical shocks.
If you’re concerned about the state of your home’s electrical system, Hadden Home Services is here to help! Not only can we perform a thorough electrical safety inspection of your property, but we can also switch out any old outlets and switches for you that need to be replaced. If you want to make sure your home’s electrical system is in top condition for the new season, give us a call at (806)529-1881 or fill out our online contact form.