7 Fall Electrical Safety Tips

The weather around the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia area is finally starting to cool off a bit as we head from summer into fall. As the temperatures begin dropping, you’re going to begin depending more on electric appliances and the systems they control.

To ensure that your house remains, follow these fall electrical safety tips from Jaffe Electric!

1. Use space heaters carefully – Space heaters are an easy way to heat up a room without having to use your heating system. It’s a good way to save money on your energy bills, especially if you don’t need to heat the whole house. However, space heaters can be quite a safety hazard if you don’t use them safely. Always make sure that there’s nothing flammable within three feet of your space heater and never plug your space heater into an extension cord.
2. Inspect all of your extension cords – Once the holidays come around, you’ll most likely need to use your extension cords in order to plug in all of your holiday lights and decorations. Check your extension cords for damage and make sure that any extension cords you use outdoors are weather-rated. If you are planning on plugging in a lot of holiday lights, make sure that you use surge protectors to help provide internal load protection.
3. Check cold weather tools – Any electrical tools that are going to get some use once the weather turns cold, such as leaf blowers, should be checked for any unusual wear and tear. Be sure to check their power cords especially and to replace or repair any electric tools that show damage.
4. Sweep dry leaves – When the leaves begin falling from your trees, be sure to sweep them away from any outdoor outlets, light fixtures, and power cords. Dry leaves can easily catch fire if hit with a spark of some kind. You should also keep your outdoor air conditioning unit clean and clear of any autumn debris.
5. Be careful about using electrical devices outdoors – There’s going to be a lot more moisture and rain in the fall than in the summer, so make sure that any electrical devices used outside are weatherproof. If you have outdoor electrical outlets, then they should be GFCI outlets that are covered by bubble covers to keep rain out and to protect users against potential shocks.
6. Test your smoke alarms – Because you’ll be using more of your electrical devices and appliances as the weather gets colder, make sure that all of your smoke alarms are in working order. This ensures that if an electrical fire breaks out, you and your family will be properly warned before the fire grows out of control.
7. Use your electric blankets safely – Electric blankets are a great way to keep warm as long as you use them safely. Before using them, make sure they are in good condition – check the power cords for cracks, cuts or fraying. Also, avoid putting anything on top of an electric blanket when it is in use.

Electrical Repairs in Maryland, DC & Northern VA

At Jaffe Electric, we specialize in providing expert electrical repairs in Maryland and throughout the entire DMV area. If you’re experiencing electrical issues that could be weather related, or you simply want us to inspect your entire electrical system.

Call 301.253.3778 or request an estimate online for electrical repairs in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia from Jaffe Electric!

CALL NOW – 301.253.3778