Winter can be an especially hazardous season for storms and electrical power outages. Heavy snow and ice can bring down power lines, both on the main power grid and at your home.
Add to that the increased use of appliances in the winter – most notably space heaters, electric blankets, and other heating elements – and the potential for dangerous electrical problems only grows.
Eric Krise Electrical Contractors wants you to have a safe winter (spring, summer, and fall as well!), so here’s a look at a few electrical safety tips for the winter season from the National Fire Protection Association:
Heating Safety Tips
• Always keep flammables (including children!) at least three feet away from heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
• Never heat your home using an oven.
• Hire a professional to install stationary heating equipment, such as heaters, water heaters, and central heating.
• Hire a professional to inspect and clean heating equipment and chimneys at least once a year.
• Always keep space heaters in your sight. Never go to sleep with one turned on.
• Be mindful of the fuel you use to power your device; is it recommended by the manufacturer?
• Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen in place to keep sparks from entering your home.
• Get into the habit of checking smoke alarms throughout the house at least once a month.
Downed Power Lines
• Never touch a downed line: not with your hand and not with other objects.
• Never touch an object, car, equipment, or even a person who is in contact with a fallen power line.
• If a power line has fallen near your home, alert the children, keep pets away, and notify your township.
• Never drive over a fallen power line.
• If your vehicle does, however, come into contact with a fallen power line, follow these safety steps:
o Stay put. Do not exit your vehicle; the ground around you may be electrified.
o Dial 911, blow the horn, or roll down your window to call out for help.
o Wait for the fire or police departments (or utility worker) to say it’s safe for you to exit the vehicle.
Electric Blankets and Heating Pads
• Electric blankets and heating pads should never be used together on a bed.
• Get into the habit of inspecting your electric blanket or pad for flaws or fraying wires before you plug them in.
• Never tuck an electric blanket under a mattress, or cover with another blanket or layer.
• Be sure to follow instructions provided by the manufacturer before plugging in and using your blanket or pad.
Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractor, LLC is a fully licensed and insured electrical contracting company serving New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
We take great pride in completing our electrical projects in a professional, energy-efficient, timely manner and have developed a reputation for being trustworthy, fair, and honest, and for providing quality workmanship on every project no matter how large or small. Contact us online to learn how we can help with your business or home electrical projects.