Unfortunately for us, the groundhog has already ruled that we’ll be seeing six more weeks of winter. Anyone who lives in Missouri can tell you that February can be the coldest, most miserable part of the whole winter season. Sure, spring is right around the corner, but each new cold, dreary day makes it seem like warmer weather will never arrive. While we’re all cooped up inside because of the cold weather, ice, and snow, it’s more important than ever to keep electrical safety in mind. That’s why your friendly Missouri electricians at TruStar Electric have put together this helpful and handy list of our top five electrical safety tips to help keep you warm and safe this winter.
Never Plug Space Heaters into Power Strips. We can’t stress this enough. Space heaters – and most other appliances or devices that generate large amounts of heat – use a very high current, which power strips simply aren’t designed to accommodate. A power strip with a space heater plugged into it can easily overheat, leading it to actually scorch, melt, or even start a fire. Don’t risk it!
Unplug During a Power Outage. Here in Missouri, winter weather often means snow and ice, which can lead to downed power lines and power outages. Interruptions to power during the winter can be dangerous for a number of reasons, and indoor temperatures can plummet while the power is out. One thing that’s easy to forget, though, is the risk of electrical surges that come when the power comes back on or if the power flickers. That’s why it’s a good idea to unplug any electrical appliances during a power outage.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. This one is actually important all year round, but it’s especially important during the winter. After all, we’re all cooped up inside and more likely to be baking, using the fireplace, or operating space heaters. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, as many as 30% of house fires occur during the winter months. You should be sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working at all times and replace the batteries regularly.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Electrical Panel. If you don’t already know where it is, find out where your electrical panel is located. It’s probably in a basement or utility room. Every adult in the house should be familiar with the panel, know where it is, and know to keep it clear of obstructions. You’ll need to be able to access it if you need to turn tripped breakers back on, for instance. All of the breakers and circuits within the panel should be clearly labeled. If they aren’t, this is a good time to do so.
Know When to Call the Professionals. Whether it’s labeling those pesky breakers in your electrical panel or just making sure that all of the wiring in your house is up to snuff, if you’ve got electrical problems, have questions, or don’t feel comfortable handling any of the items that we’ve listed here yourself, then it’s probably time to call a professional electrician in Missouri. You’ll be glad you did.
At TruStar Electric, we’re here to help customers in and around Springfield with all of their electrical needs. Whether it’s providing 24/7 emergency service or helping to re-wire your home or business, we’re here for you. Get in touch to learn what we can do for you today!