Electrical Safety Tips to Get Your Home Winter Ready

1. Check for and prevent leaks

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. The melt from winter snow and ice can cause water leaks that could affect your home’s electrical panels or outlets. Check any equipment that could cause potential leaks, such as your water heater, and ensure it works properly. 

Make sure house gutters are cleaned to prevent rainwater from coming into your home or basement. Also, check the water pressure in your home. High water pressure can cause ruptures and harm pipes, connections, and appliances. 

2. Check your central electrical panel

It is essential to be familiar with your circuit panel. All adults in your home should know where it is located. Clear away any obstructions blocking easy access to the panel, and check that all the breakers are labeled and working properly. It is important to be able to shut everything down quickly if needed. If your circuit panel isn’t working properly, please contact us for an electrical panel evaluation.

3. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Check the smoke detectors installed throughout your home to ensure you meet fire safety codes. Swap out all alarm batteries and run a quick test on all your smoke detectors. Or replace your existing smoke detectors with a 10-year battery smoke detector. This ensures long-lasting functionality.  

4. Trim overgrown trees

Unruly tree limbs are often a contributing factor to downed power lines during winter storms. Downed power lines are dangerous and can lead to power outages, electrocution, and house fires. 

5. Maintain HVAC Systems

Check for and clear away any debris from heating and air conditioning appliances and vents inside of your home. 

6. Replace cracked or missing electrical outlet covers

Outlet covers provide an important safety function – they offer protection from exposed electrical wires. Ensure all outlet covers are in good condition and are securely installed.  

7. Check outdoor lighting

Lights that don’t work properly can present security issues for your home. Consider adding motion-detection outdoor lights to help prevent injuries such as trips and falls that can easily occur in the dark. 

8. Use surge protectors

Extra space heaters or other appliances or devices can also burden your electrical outlets. Be sure that you have a proper surge protector with each outlet that your appliances plug into. You may also want to consult a professional electrician to install a whole house surge protector that is wired to your main electrical panel and can protect your home on a larger scale. 

9. Take care with space heaters

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2023, 12.5% of home fires are due to heating equipment. Of those, space heaters are the biggest culprit. If you choose to use a space heater, be sure to follow best practices.   

Make sure your space heater is on a flat and level surface and that it is plugged directly into an outlet or surge protector. Never use a heater that has a torn or damaged cord, and never use an extension cord with a space heater. Space heaters should never be left unattended. 

11. Unplug unused gadgets and appliances

Adopt a nightly routine of unplugging non-essential electrical devices. Electrical items can short-circuit during winter storms. By unplugging these items, you’ll save a bit on electricity costs and avoid any fire risks. 

12. Only purchase NRTL certified electronics and electrical equipment

Only purchase NRTL-certified electronics and electrical equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. NRTL certified products must conform to certain safety standards. Note that CE marks are not the same as a NRTL certification. CE labeled products may not have been tested by a third party. 

13. Check your home’s electrical wiring

Wires, plugs, outlets, and sockets can all become worn over time and result in a safety hazard. Have a licensed electrician check the wiring throughout your home to ensure everything is up to date and functioning properly. Electrical fires can cause significant damage and can be life-threatening. A professional electrician can offer recommendations to address potential safety issues. 

Beyond the potential electrical hazards during the holiday season, winter presents unique dangers with regard to electricity. Strong wind, ice, and harsh winter weather can cause downed power lines, power outages, heat outages, and even fire hazards. Winterizing your home’s electrical system and any electric appliances can help protect your home and your family. Follow these safety recommendations to reduce the electrical risks associated with winter.  

Get a free quote for any service by calling Milton Electric today at 410-276-3420. Let's find out how we can keep your home safe this winter.