Cold Weather Electrical Safety Tips
Cold Weather Electrical Safety Tips:
Avoid these common electrical hazards while staying warm during colder months
Avoid these common electrical hazards while staying warm during colder months
Candles:
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Tips:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn
- Never leave candles unattended and make sure they are not near any highly flammable items
- Consider using battery-operated candles
Space Heaters:
Placing a space heater too close to upholstered furniture, clothing, or bedding can lead to fatal home fires. Studies have shown that these types of incidents have accounted for nearly 53% of home heating fires.
Tips:
- Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from anything that is flammable, such as rugs, blankets, or paper.
- Do not leave your space heater unattended, and unplug it when not in use. Consider getting a space heater with automatic shut off.
Generators:
Portable generators can cause fatalities if not handled properly. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, electrocution, and fire.
Tips:
- If you must connect to a generator for electricity, consult an electrician before you bring one home to determine the proper equipment and setup.
- If you decide to wire a generator directly to your home, California state law mandates that you notify Southern California Edison.
- Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging in a generator into a wall outlet, otherwise known as 'backfeeding'.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A carbon monoxide detector can alert you and your loved ones if there is a deadly, odorless, colorless gas in your home.
Tips:
- Make sure you test your alarms to make sure they are properly working.
- Check your batteries and change them every six months.
Electrical Plugs
Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or extension cord can cause them to overheat, which could start a fire.
Tips:
- Be mindful of how many appliances you are connecting to an extension cord.
- Do not overload outlets.
Heating Pads and Electric Blankets:
Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old. Learn how to stay safe.
Tips:
- Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping
- Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip, as they could overheat and cause a fire
- Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or electrical cords that are cracked or frayed. Replace any worn or old heating pads or electric blankets
Source:
So Cal Edison https://www.sce.com/safety
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