As the temperatures drop outside and the holidays roll around once again, it is important to take safety precautions in your home. From heating to plumbing, the winter months bring changes to almost all of the systems that keep your property comfortable.
One area that is too often neglected is electrical appliances, which many people over-use and mishandle during the holidays. Follow these electrical safety tips to ensure your home stays safe this winter, and contact our experienced Ontario electricians at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical for your residential or commercial needs.
Tip #1: Invest in Safe Christmas Lights
Although Christmas lights can be a beautiful way to brighten your home around the holidays, neglected and old lights can be a major fire hazard. To ensure the safety of your employees and/or family this winter, check all wiring for damage before putting up any decorations. Exposed wires are prone to sparking, which can lead to your Christmas tree and more going up in flames.
Speaking of which, you should make sure your tree is always properly watered, as a dry trees are far more prone to catching fire. It’s also a good idea to consider switching to energy-efficient, LED lights, which produce less heat but still provide that colorful glow. Trust us, it may be painful to get rid of those old decorations at first, but you’ll be glad when you avoid a fiery Christmas tree.
Tip #2: Keep an Eye on Your Electric Heater
It’s no secret that heating systems can be complicated. To make sure everything is working properly in your home or business, contact a skilled HVAC technician. For others, investing in a space heater might seem like the best option.
Before going this route, however, it’s key to know all the safety risks. Anything that can easily catch on fire, including certain paper products, certain fabrics, and again, that pesky Christmas tree, should be kept a good distance from your heater. Children should also be kept away from these devices, as they can deliver a pretty nasty burn upon touch. You should also check your plug and cord to make sure everything is unobstructed, working properly, and not going to catch fire. Bad wiring in these devices can also deliver a nasty spark, and even set rugs and furniture on fire if they are too close.
The same advice goes for electric blankets, heating lamps, and even candles. Basically, keep all of it away from children, don’t set them up near flammable objects and, if it plugs in, check your wiring and cords.
Tip #3: Have a Professional Perform a Safety Inspection
No matter how careful you are when it comes to electrical equipment, you can never be too careful with other people’s safety. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an electrician inspect your home or business. From outdated fuse boxes, to faulty electrical panels, to damaged wiring, there are some problems you simply may not be able to spot on your own. If your property is aging and overdue for a check-up, don’t wait until it’s too late, call an electrician to take a look today.
Hire the Best with All Pro!
At All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our San Bernardino HVAC & electrical experts have the knowledge, skills, and commitment to provide peace of mind to you this winter. From electrical problems to carbon monoxide exposure, there’s nothing we won’t do to make sure your home or business has the perfect temperature year-round. For almost 3 decades, our technicians have been providing fast, efficient, and affordable service. Here’s wishing happy holidays from our family to yours, and a safe and comfortable new year.
Call (909) 500-8193 to learn about electrical service options, or contact us online at your earliest convenience.
