As the season begins to change, you’re going to depend on more electrical devices and appliances. To ensure your home and family remain safe, here are our fall electrical safety tips!
Sweep up Dry Leaves
Falling leaves are one of the most beautiful parts of fall. However, they can be a potential fire hazard when left around your home. Dry leaves are the perfect kindling and can easily catch fire when hit with a spark. Be sure to sweep them away from any outdoor outlets, light fixtures, and power cords. Make sure to keep your outdoor air conditioning unit clear of any autumn debris as well, as debris can cause your AC to not run properly.
Take Care of Tree Branches
If you have trees in your yard, make sure to cut back the branches around overhead cables. This electrical safety tip may seem a little premature but it’s better to take care of this chore sooner rather than later. Taking care of the branches before stormy weather starts means preventing possible damage caused by falling branches. Cut tree branches at least 10 feet from any cables and you’ll be good to go.
Check Cold Weather Tools
It’s time to clean off the dust from your leaf blower and use it once again! But before you power it up, check it for any unusual wear and tear. Do this for all your colder weather tools before using them. And be especially sure to check their power cords, as a damaged power cord can leave you vulnerable to electrical fires. If you notice any damage to your electric tools, repair or replace them.
Be sure to check your extension cords for damage before you put them to use this holiday season
Inspect Extension Cords
The holidays are around the corner, and that means holiday light season. You’ll likely need to use extension cords to plug in all your holiday lights and decorations. Check your extension cords for damage, and if you use them for outdoor décor, make sure they’re weather-rated. Doing this now will set you up for a more relaxing holiday season!
Be Careful when Using Devices Outside
Speaking of using holiday lights outside, be careful about using any electrical device during the chilly fall weather. Moisture and rain don’t quite mix with electricity, so it’s important to take all necessary precautions when using electrical devices outside. Make sure all your devices used outside are weatherproof. If you have outdoor electrical outlets, then they should be GFCI outlets that are covered by bubble covers to keep rain out and protect users against potential shocks.
Use Electric Blankets Safely
With the chilly weather, electric blankets are a great way to keep warm, as long as you use them safely. As with a few of our other electrical safety tips, make sure your blanket is in good condition before using it. That means checking the blanket for damage, especially the power cord for cracks, cuts, or fraying. Also, don’t tuck your electric blanket under mattresses, and don’t put comforters or bedspreads on top of the blanket while it’s in use.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
As you’ll be using more electrical devices and appliances as the weather gets cooler, make sure all your smoke alarms are in working order. This will ensure that if a fire breaks out, you and your family will be warned before the fire grows out of control. If you need your smoke alarms looked at, we’d be more than happy to come out and see if they’re reliable.
Safety with Speck Family Electric
We hope these electrical safety tips help you prepare your home for this fall! If you need help with anything, give us a call. We’d be happy to assist you with any electrical maintenance repairs or problems you might have. We service those in Sparta, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Crossville, Gallatin, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, and Smithville.
