Preventing Electrical Fires
With increases in electrical fires during the winter, you want to keep your family and home safe. Keep an eye on your lights, electrical system, and heaters this winter, and be sure your smoke detectors are in working order.
Common Fire Hazards
Though not every fire can be prevented, you can take steps to lower the risk of a fire. With early sunsets and cold winter weather, houses use much more electricity. Potential fire hazards might include:
- Holiday lights. With holiday lights also comes the potential for fire danger. Overworked circuits and badly placed extension cords are both potential fire starters. Ensure you don’t string more than three strands of lights hooked end-to-end, as this can overload an outlet or circuit. If you trip a breaker, your electrical system prevents a fire hazard. Make sure extension cords and lights that heat up are not put near anything flammable.
- Space heaters. If you use a portable heater to warm up your house, you want to use it carefully. This also applies to heating blankets. Be sure you never leave space heaters on when you’re asleep or away from home. Turn them off and unplug them. When you are home, be sure space heaters aren’t near anything flammable and are set up on the solid ground.
Importance of Smoke Detectors
Having a fully functioning smoke detector is a necessary part of home safety. Though you may not be able to prevent every potential hazard, you can be made aware of them by your smoke detector. Check your smoke detectors often and replace the batteries yearly to ensure they are always working. Your smoke detectors should be replaced about every 10 years.
Professionally Installed Smoke Detectors
If you’re uncertain of the reliability of your current smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, contact an expert at Nipper Electric for a professional installation of detectors you can count on.
