Winter Electrical Safety Tips: How to Keep Your Home Safe and Warm

Fire safety should always be top of mind, but it is important to be especially vigilant during the holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),most home fires occur from November to March, peaking in December and January. While candles and fireplaces are contributing factors to winter fires, electrical heating devices and holiday decorations are also of significant concern. 

Fortunately, you can be festive and warm while still minimizing your risk of a home fire. Below is an explanation of just why winter electric safety is so important, as well as some safety tips to take you through the spring.

Importance of Electrical Safety in Winter

The late fall and winter months pose a number of electrical-related safety hazards for the average home. The colder temperatures mean we make more demands on our home heating devices, including electrical baseboard heaters and space heaters. Extended use of these appliances increases the risk of electrical fire, and flammable items set too closely to them can ignite. NFPA data reveals electric lighting to be a significant cause of home electrical fires as well, and we tend to use our lighting equipment more often in the winter because of the limited hours of daylight.

Holiday festivities can also contribute to home fires. Damaged wiring or excessively hot bulbs on string lights, for example, can ignite a dried-out Christmas tree. Holiday gatherings put our kitchen appliances, including the oven and stovetop or range, into high gear. 

But fire is not the only safety concern. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is the byproduct of the combustion of a number of home fuel sources, such as gas, wood, and propane. A faulty electrical burner can generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, putting residents of the home at risk.

Home generators also pose a number of hazards, including fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electric shock, and generators are commonly used when powerful winter storms cause widespread power outages.

Adhering to some simple safety tips for winter season activities will mitigate these risks.

 

Electrical Safety Tips for Winter Season

Being mindful of risks and following some simple preventative measures can keep your family and home safe through the dark, cold winter months. Here are some electrical safety tips for the holidays and beyond

1. Keep heating devices clear of furniture, decor, and other home furnishings.

The NFPA has found that close to half of all heating-related home fires are caused by space heaters. One of the most important winter heating safety tips is to use space heaters responsibly. Position a space heater on a flat surface and at least three feet away from any walls, furniture, or furnishings. Do not set a space heater on a rug or carpet, and never drape a blanket, towel, or article of clothing over one.

Use the same degree of caution around fixed heaters, such as baseboard heaters and radiators. Do not set objects on or near the heaters. Keep all potentially flammable furniture and decor — your Christmas tree included — well away from heat sources, electrical and otherwise.

A sweep of your home heating fixtures is a good item to add to your winter home maintenance checklist.

2. Never leave heating equipment unattended.

Avoid leaving the room, even for a moment, when a portable heat source is running. The seconds following the start of a fire are critical. If you’re in another part of the home, the fire can quickly get out of hand.

3. Do not overload outlets and power strips.

Any given outlet or circuit in your home has its limits. Be careful to not overload an outlet with too many appliances with high power demands. Avoid more than one high-wattage appliance per outlet, even if you use power extenders, power strips, or extension cords. 

4. Use extension cords responsibly. 

The holiday season often requires us to break out extension cords to accommodate our holiday lighting. Extension cords have their place, but use them carefully. If running a cord outside, make sure it is rated for the outdoors. Do not link multiple extension cords together, and do not run cords under rugs, in walls, or behind furniture. 

5. Inspect all electrical devices and wiring for signs of damage.

Periodically inspect all appliances, wires, extension cords, and power strips for fraying, signs of burning, or other damage. One of our winter safety tips for home holiday decor is to perform this checkup when you unpack your holiday lighting for the season. Perform another inspection when you pack the equipment for storage until next year.

6. Do not use cooking appliances to heat your home.

Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Use your home’s heating system or a space heater if necessary.

7.Do not use generators indoors.

In the event of a power outage, do not run a generator indoors to power interior appliances and devices. Running a generator in an enclosed space puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep your generator outside but in a protected location. Ensure that you have ease of access by keeping the pathway free of ice  and obstructions.

8. Use outdoor-rated electrical equipment for exterior holiday lighting and decorations.

Any electrical equipment that you display outdoors or use to power outdoor displays should be rated as such. Do not use indoor-rated electronics outside.

9. Keep a reliable fire extinguisher on hand.

Always keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Check the dates periodically to confirm they have not expired.

10. Do not leave kitchen appliances unattended.

The NFPA cites Thanksgiving as the day when most home cooking fires occur. Christmas and Christmas Eve follow. Follow proper kitchen safety protocols and never leave the room when a cooking appliance is on.

11. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good health. Check that they are operational once per month at a minimum.

12. Check for water leaks that could interfere with your electrical system.

Water coming in contact with your home’s electrical system is a fire risk. Do not position appliances near the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, or toilet. Keep appliances off wet countertops, and keep the areas around kitchen and bathroom outlets dry.

Also maintain a comprehensive winter plumbing maintenance checklistto keep your greater plumbing system in good health.

13. Unplug appliances that are not in use.

Get in the habit of unplugging nonessential appliances when you are not using them. These can include portable heaters, kitchen countertop appliances, and lamps. Not only do you minimize your risk of a home fire, but you also stand to reduce your winter energy bills. 

14. Use appropriately rated lighting equipment on Christmas trees, wreaths, and garland.

Some bulbs run hot and are not rated for use on or near flammable materials. Check that your string lights are appropriate for trees, wreaths, and garland.

Why You Should Have a Home Warranty

Healthy electrical systems are less prone to malfunction, and you can more easily maintain your electrical system with home warranty protection. One of Liberty Home Guard’s plans can help you prevent electrical malfunction, and they can allow you to affordably remedy any problems that do arise. Learn more about how a home warranty can provide convenience, savings, and peace of mind by calling (833)-545-5590.