If you’re like many homeowners, you have a sense of major electrical hazards that exist at home and how to avoid them. However, you may not realize that the primary hazards can vary by season. This news doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The knowledge that electrical hazards can vary by season allows you to prioritize certain concerns. Keep in mind that there is some overlap. For example, electrical overloads may be more common during certain seasons, but this issue can happen at any time.
Winter
Holiday Lights
Holiday decorations, while beautiful, come with some clear electrical hazards. Do not plug multiple extension cords into one another to reach an outlet. Opt for a longer extension cord. You could also schedule an appointment with our team for outlet installation. Also, putting too much pressure on your home’s electrical system could lead to an overload. Both of these issues pose a fire hazard.
Water Damage
As the snow and ice melt, water could drip into components of your home’s electrical system. For example, melted snow could damage outdoor outlets. Book a consultation with our team to get an inspection of your home’s outdoor electrical components. Also, be careful when coming into the house after shoveling or playing in the snow. Make sure that water doesn’t drip on electrical components.
Space Heaters
Space heaters pose a fire hazard and can become even more dangerous when used. Follow the directions on your appliance exactly. Make sure that the outlet is compatible with the space heater’s plug. Choose a space heater that comes with safety features. For example, some space heaters will automatically turn off if they tip over. Regardless of the safety features that the unit has, you should never sleep with a space heater on. Do not leave a space heater unmonitored either. If you exit the room, turn off and unplug the space heater.
Heater Issues
Pay attention to any unusual activity from your home’s heating system. For example, lights that flicker whenever the heater is on could be a warning sign of an electrical problem that can lead to a fire.
Spring
Detector Battery Check
We recommend that people check their smoke detectors when Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring. You should also change the batteries in other detectors, including carbon monoxide detectors and natural gas detectors, at this time. Keep in mind that batteries in detectors typically need to be changed more than once a year. However, you can speak with our team members about the appropriate battery-changing schedule for your devices.
Outdoor Yard Maintenance
As the weather starts warming up, you may be eager to get the yard ready for another season of outdoor activities. If your outdoor electrical tools are constantly slipping out of the outlets or tripping breakers, now is the time to schedule service.
Power Lines
Tree limbs that overhang the power lines pose a problem. Avoiding a possible electrical hazard might involve climbing on a ladder to trim the trees. Steer clear of any power lines when doing so to prevent injury or loss of life. It might be best to get the help of a professional to accomplish this task for you.
Rainy Days
While the winter snow has likely long melted, the rain tends to pick up in the spring. Put electrical cords and devices safely away during rainstorms. Watch out for any rain that could get into outdoor outlets.
Summer
Electrical Overload
In attempts to stay cool during the hot and humid summers, many people blast their air conditioning, which can lead to an electrical overload. Our team can check out your home’s electrical system to see what load it can handle. We can also help you determine the optimal temperature to set your thermostat to so you can stay cool and avoid electrical dangers.
Water Safety
During the summer, many kids enjoy playing with toys in the sink or bathtub, and they love to go outside to run in the sprinklers or take a dip in the pool as well. Teach your children about electrical safety, particularly when near water sources. Also, if you don’t already have GCFI outlets installed near water sources, now is the time to get them. This move can create a safer environment and put your house in alignment with the electrical code.
Thunderstorms and Electrical Safety
While summer is a common time for outdoor activities, so is it a season of frequent thunderstorms. Stay inside during thunderstorms. Never get in the pool. You should also turn off the air conditioner and unplug other electrical devices in preparation for a thunderstorm. If your house is not already grounded, now is the time to schedule an appointment for this important service.
Firework Safety
It is critical to follow the laws governing fireworks usage and safety in your area. If personal fireworks displays are permitted, you must be aware of power lines. Fireworks and power lines can create lethal situations.
Fall
Oven Safety
During the fall, many people bake goodies for holiday celebrations. Teach your children about how to use the oven safely. Be aware of unusual activity when the oven is on. For example, lights should not flicker every time you bake. Also, never use the oven to heat the house. Do not leave the house when the oven is on either.
Worn Cords
Over the summer, your outdoor electrical appliances might have gotten a lot of use, leading to cords that are now worn down. If the cord cannot be replaced, you will have to get a new appliance.
General Cord Safety
Since you’ll likely be spending less time outdoors with the colder months on the horizon, now is the time to safely store away electrical cords for the season. Leaving any device plugged in unnecessarily is dangerous. Even leaving unplugged cords outside exposes them to the elements. This exposure can make the cords dangerous to use next year.
Dried Leaves
As you begin to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving, be aware of dried leaves that are located near decorations that light up. The heat of the decoration coupled with the dried leaves can start a fire. Dried leaves, in general, pose a fire hazard, so make sure to regularly clean up the lawn.
No matter what time of the year it is, Top Flight Electric in Winter Haven is here to help with all of your home’s electrical needs. We offer a full range of electrical services, such as electrical remodels, electrical panel upgrades, work on indoor and outdoor lighting, whole house rewiring and surge protection. We provide custom electrical work too. Our team proudly serves numerous communities in the greater Winter Haven area, including Four Corners, Haines City, Lake Hamilton and Intercession City. Make sure to ask about our specials as well. You can check out our financing program and our safety and savings plan. To tackle your next home electrical project, contact Top Flight Electric today.
