The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive decorations; however, it can also introduce unique electrical hazards if you’re not careful. With extra lights, increased appliance use, and unpredictable weather, the risk of electrical accidents grows during this time of year, and it’s important to understand how you can prevent potential electrical safety hazards in your home before the holiday season.
In this blog post, the expert electricians at Universe Home Services discuss how families can keep their holidays safe and accident-free, outlining specific steps to protect their homes and loved ones.
Common Electrical Accidents That Occur During the Holiday Season
As we get wrapped up in holiday preparations, it’s easy to overlook the need for electrical safety. Here are five common electrical accidents that can occur during the holiday season and how you can avoid them:
Overloading Electrical Circuits
Holiday lights, inflatable decorations, space heaters — all those added electrical devices can easily overload your circuits. Plugging too many devices into one outlet can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of electrical fire in your home.
Faulty or Damaged Holiday Lights
Using old or damaged string lights can be dangerous and is a leading cause of holiday electrical accidents. Frayed wires or broken bulbs can create sparks or short circuits, potentially leading to an electrical fire.
Improper Use of Extension Cords
Extension cords can be handy for getting electricity to places it wouldn’t otherwise reach; however, using these properly is important, as misuse is a major cause of holiday-related electrical fires. Running cords under carpets or through doors can damage the insulation, creating a significant fire hazard.
Unsafe Outdoor Lighting Installations
Outdoor lighting brings festive cheer, but if not handled properly, it can also lead to serious accidents. Wet conditions, exposed wiring, and inadequate weatherproofing can all cause electrical shock or fires.
Overheated Space Heaters
With colder weather, many people rely on space heaters to keep warm. Unfortunately, space heaters can overheat if left on for too long or placed near flammable materials, increasing the fire risk.
Prep Your Electrical System for the Holiday Season
Before you string up your holiday lights and plug in your space heater, take the time to ensure your electrical system is adequately prepared for the increased demand. Here’s a quick checklist to help you avoid accidents and stay safe this season:
- Inspect holiday lights and decorations: Look for signs of damage or frayed wires before using any lights or decorations to ensure maximum safety.
- Limit the number of appliances: Refrain from plugging too many devices into one outlet to avoid overloading circuits and straining your system.
- Use grounded, weatherproof extension cords: When decorating outside, use grounded, weatherproof extension cords to prevent accidents.
- Keep distance between space heaters: Ensure curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials are kept a safe distance away from your space heaters.
- Check smoke detectors: Inspect your smoke detectors before the holiday season to ensure they’re functioning properly and are capable of detecting a threat.
- Schedule an electrical inspection: Book an inspection with Universe Home Services to ensure your system is ready for the holiday season.
Contact Universe Home Services for Emergency Electrical Repair This Winter
Despite taking precautions, electrical issues can still occur during the height of your holiday festivities. If you experience flickering lights, blown fuses, or any other electrical emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Universe Home Services for the fast response you deserve. Our experienced team is available to deliver quick, effective repairs to keep your home safe and sound all season.
Schedule electrical repairs in New York by contacting our team today.