The holidays may be drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of dazzling light displays to be found. Now that Christmas is over, it’s easy to overlook some simple things that could keep your home and family safe. The residential electrician at Polk Electric wants you to be aware of these holiday electrical safety tips so you can finish out 2018 in the safest manner possible.
- Inspect and check – Always check every electrical decoration for signs of damage. Even if these items were fine back around Thanksgiving, they could have suffered frayed wiring over the last month. Damaged wires can give homeowners electrical shocks and/or cause a fire. If you’re replacing anything with an electrical cord, make sure the new items are certified by an electrical testing laboratory. Certified lights have been tested for safety.
- Take preventative measures – Take care of your home’s electricity to avoid hazards. Retape cords that are lying across the floor so they don’t cause someone to trip. Inspect your outlets for signs of damage and be careful not to overload them. Avoid plugging in more than three strings of light to a single outlet as this can blow a fuse.
- Battery powered may be best – If you can’t bear to put your holiday lights away, consider investing in battery-operated candles or other items. These may be seasonally appropriate throughout the winter and carry a lower risk of fire.
- Don’t leave the lights on unattended – You may be worn out from the holidays but you can’t let your guard down. Make sure to turn off your lights before you go to sleep or leave the house. Otherwise, you’re leaving your home at risk of fire.
If you spot a problem with your home’s electrical system, you need to contact a residential electrician. Reach out to Polk Electric. We want your new year to be filled with warmth, cheer, and safety.
