According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 47,700 home fires in the United States result from some form of electrical failure every year. These fires produce around $1.5 billion in annual property damage. Taking proactive steps in advance can mean the difference between a stress-free season versus facing an electrical emergency. A look at the best ways to prepare your electrical system for the fall can provide a solid blueprint for safeguarding your home.
Weatherproof Your Property
Autumn weather often brings wind, rain, and increased moisture. These conditions can prove hazardous to any outdoor electrical components. Check outdoor outlets, light fixtures, or cords for signs of fraying or wear. Experts also recommend installing weatherproof outlet covers to protect sensitive electrical components from rain. Always use outdoor-rated electrical equipment or extensions to prevent serious hazards like electric shock or electrocution. If you notice cracks or burn marks along your outdoor outlets or lighting fixtures, reach out to a licensed electrician for help.
Check Wiring and Extension Cords
Seasonal activities like the installation of holiday lights or increased use of appliances, like heaters, can mean the additional use of connected wiring or extension cords. Always check your extension cords before setting them up for the season. Avoid using duct tape to repair torn or damaged cords. Not only can this increase the risk of sparks or electric shock, but the loose connection can quickly overheat and start an electrical fire. If you notice outdated wiring throughout the home, contact a professional to rewire your house before the coldest months of the year.
Take Care of Power Tools
Fall is the time to stow away warm-weather equipment like lawnmowers or bush trimmers. Never leave summer electrical equipment exposed to fall weather since the moisture can degrade metal parts and make them more vulnerable to damage. Before using cool-weather equipment like leaf blowers, check the power cords for any indication of wear and tear. Replace outdated or damaged tools to prevent safety risks.
Trim Trees and Rake Leaves
While autumn trees are often beautiful, they can also create problems for your electrical system. Now is the time to trim back any tree branches or limbs near power lines. Overgrown limbs or fallen branches can cause power outages or constitute safety hazards. Consider hiring a professional tree service to trim the largest plants. In addition, rake any dry leaves away from outdoor lighting fixtures, outlets, or extension cords.
Keep Gutters Clean
Gutters and downspouts filled with dry leaves can quickly create a home fire hazard. And when it rains, too many leaves can clog the gutter and stop this structure from doing its job of diverting water away from the home. Instead, the water can overflow and potentially damage electrical components or wiring near your roofline. Keep gutters and downspouts free from debris so that they can function properly throughout the season.
Install GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets help prevent electric shock by cutting off the power source if there is a malfunction or sudden exposure to water. This helps stop the flow of electricity before serious accidents or fatalities occur. For this reason, GFCI outlets are vital for rooms with frequent water usage like the bathroom or kitchen. The National Electrical Code also requires the installation of GFCI in certain zones of the home. For example, all outlets in basements or crawlspaces must include GFCI protection. Finally, there are specialized GFCI outlets for outdoor use. During the fall, reach out to a licensed electrician to install new GFCI outlets to help implement safety measures throughout your home.
Check Your Generator
Power outages can occur during fall or winter storms. Consider investing in a whole-home backup generator to keep essential appliances operating during the loss of electricity. If you already have a generator, ask a professional to test its fuel and service the device if necessary.
Test Your Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is the time to request that a professional evaluate your smoke detectors or fire alarms to ensure batteries, sensors, and wiring function properly in the event of an emergency. In addition, professionals can check your carbon monoxide detectors. Known as the “invisible killer” since it is odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fuel. It can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb oxygen and result in illness or death. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 100,000 people visit the emergency room due to carbon monoxide exposure each year. Having a professional check your system during the fall is an important preventative measure as you begin to spend more time indoors.
Secure Electric Blankets
While electric blankets are cozy, improper usage can constitute a safety hazard. Before using this type of bedding, check to make sure that the power cords are not frayed, cracked, or otherwise cut. If you are buying a brand-new electric blanket, make sure it has received certification from an independent testing agency such as UL, CSA, or ETL. Never store or tuck electric blankets under other flammable bedding items like comforters or bedspreads. Avoid allowing pets to sleep on electric blankets as they may chew the fabric and inadvertently expose the wiring. Finally, do not plug electric blankets into outlets with other heavy-duty items to avoid overloading circuits.
Use Space Heaters With Caution
Space heaters offer a convenient way to warm up specific rooms or areas of the home. However, it’s important to use these devices with caution. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), space heaters cause around 1,700 home fires each year, and these fires have resulted in dozens of deaths or injuries. Avoid using space heaters around any flammable items like curtains, sheets, or drapes. Move any office papers, clothing, or houseplants away from the space heater. Never power a space heater with an extension cord since the inappropriate power rating can short-circuit the electricity for other heavy-duty appliances.
Create an Emergency Kit
All homes should have an emergency kit for potential storms in the fall and winter. The kit can include items like flashlights, extra batteries, candles, battery-powered radios, and first aid. This can help keep your family prepared during an electrical outage.
Schedule an Electrical System Inspection
One of the most important ways to prepare for fall is to schedule an electrical system inspection. While you can look around your home for signs of damage, those DIY methods can only go so far. Electricians have the training, equipment, and proper state licensing to check every facet of your home and conduct repairs. A professional can check your electrical panel for signs of overheating, short-circuiting, or malfunctioning. They can also check electrical heating systems like electric heating systems, furnaces, or baseboard heaters before the cool weather sets in for the year. Trained experts are also the best individuals to check connection points, vents, and wiring for signs of burns or electrical faults. Not only can an inspection help prevent accidents, but it may also increase energy efficiency. A well-maintained system can operate without wasteful surges or excess power.
How Our Experts Can Help
Taking preventative measures for electrical work early can ensure that you enjoy the coolest months of the year. Many electrical projects require licensing, experience, and expertise to complete properly and without creating an additional safety hazard. If keeping up with the electrical work in your home feels overwhelming, there’s no need to panic. Top Flight Electric provides electrical services for homes in Winter Haven, Polk County, and the surrounding areas. Our trained professionals can perform electrical panel replacements or upgrades as well as whole-home rewiring. We can help with indoor or outdoor lighting and can install custom electrical devices like surge protectors, generators, or EV charging stations. In addition to fall maintenance and upgrades, we can assist with electrical remodeling or repairs throughout the year.
Contact Top Flight Electric today for all your electrical needs.
