Keeping your home safe against winter electrical hazards

January 22, 2024

Winter Electrical Safety Tips

Winter is when most of us stay indoors and out of the cold, chilly weather with blankets, space heaters, and a warm drink. While you are snuggled up , you should think about your electrical safety. 

With the cold weather we have been experiencing, many people depend on electrical devices to keep their homes warm. We use more electricity in these months and can stress the electrical system. Here are a few tips to prevent an electrical emergency, and to keep your family safe.

Space heaters

Using space heaters is a great way to keep extra warm during the winter. They can also be the biggest hazards in our homes. 
• We need to keep 3 feet of space around heaters in every direction. 
• Don’t plug a space heater into an extension cord. It can cause the cables to overheat.
• Do not leave the heater unattended. Disconnect the heater when not in use. 
• Keep it free from blankets, curtains, rugs, and any other debris that could cause things to overheat or catch fire.
• Replace Damaged Electrical Cords
• When you bring space heaters, heated blankets, or anything you store most of the year out for use, they should be inspected before using.
• If you find any frayed, worn, or broken electrical cables, it is recommended to have them replaced or fixed to prevent a fire or shock risk. 

Click here to read more about space heater safety.

Keep Cords Safe

Try to avoid running electrical cords or power strips under rugs or behind furniture. This can cause the wires to wear and can become frayed. Covering cords can block the heat from escaping. If a cord feels hot to the touch or is damaged in any way, do not use it. Hot cords can be a fire hazard. 
What happens if there is an electrical fire? Click here to read how to put out an electrical fire.

Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. If you find yourself using the extension cord for something permanent, call us to quote getting you set up with a new electrical outlet.

Follow Light Safety

While the holidays are over, it is now popular to have a holiday tree up all year long. Make sure you follow the safety tips for string lights:
• Aim for no more than three strings of light per circuit.
• Always unplug or turn off string lights when you are not home or go to bed for the night. 
• Replace broken or missing bulbs to prevent electrocution or fires.

Call Us

Following these guidelines can help keep your home safe from electrical issues. If you find there are any issues with the electrical system in your home, make sure you call a licensed electrician. The team at KrisLee Electric is ready to meet all your home’s needs. Contact KrisLee Electric to schedule an appointment today!

Keeping your home safe against winter electrical hazards
By 7016309225 August 18, 2025
Storm season is no joke—high winds, lightning, heavy rain, and power outages can do serious damage to your home’s electrical system. But with a little preparation and help from the pros, you can protect your home, your appliances, and your family’s safety. Here’s how to get your electrical system storm-ready: Install Whole-Home Surge Protection Lightning strikes and power fluctuations during storms can send dangerous surges through your electrical system. These spikes can damage: TVs and computers Refrigerators and HVAC systems Smart home devices 🔌 A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel adds a crucial layer of defense, reducing the risk of expensive damage. Secure and Inspect Your Outdoor Electrical Components Storms bring wind and water—two things you don’t want messing with your electrical setup. Be sure to: Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected and weather-sealed Inspect exterior wiring, conduits, and boxes for damage or wear Secure loose electrical fixtures, lights, and wiring to prevent them from becoming storm debris 💧 Water + electricity = danger. Keeping everything sealed and elevated helps prevent shorts and shock risks. Consider a Backup Generator When the power goes out, a backup generator can keep the essentials running—lights, refrigerator, medical equipment, even your Wi-Fi. There are two main types: Portable generators – good for short outages, but must be operated outside with proper ventilation. Whole-home standby generators – kick on automatically and power large portions of your home. We install stand by generators! Read this blog about investing in a standby generator. ⚠️ Generators must be installed with proper transfer switches to prevent backfeeding into the grid—a serious safety hazard. Know Your Electrical Panel Your breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. In a storm: Know how to safely shut off power if needed Ensure all breakers are clearly labeled Have the panel inspected if it’s older or frequently tripping 🛠️ A storm is not the time to discover you’ve got an outdated or undersized panel. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Before the storm season ramps up, have a licensed electrician inspect your: Panel and grounding system Surge protection setup Outdoor connections and GFCIs Backup power sources A proactive check-up can prevent dangerous surprises during severe weather. Stay Safe, Stay Powered 🌧️ Storms are unpredictable—but your electrical system doesn’t have to be. At KrisLee Electric, we help homeowners prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 📅 Book your storm prep inspection today and protect what matters most.
By 7016309225 July 17, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, outdoor fun, and increased energy usage. From backyard barbecues to pool parties, your electrical system works overtime this time of year. That’s why electrical safety should be a top priority as temperatures—and power demands—start to rise. Here are our Top 5 Summer Electrical Safety Tips to help keep your home safe and powered all season long: Keep Outdoor Outlets and Cords Dry Summer often means more outdoor activity—and more outdoor power use. Whether you're plugging in lights, tools, or entertainment equipment, make sure: Outlets are GFCI-protected Cords and plugs are rated for outdoor use Everything stays dry and away from puddles or sprinkler spray 🔌 Tip: Invest in weatherproof outlet covers to stay protected even when outlets are in use. Don’t Overload Circuits or Extension Cords Plugging in fans, AC units, and more devices can quickly overload a single outlet or power strip. This can cause overheating, tripped breakers, or even fires. 🔥 Tip: Spread out your electrical load, and never daisy-chain extension cords. Watch for Heat-Related Electrical Warning Signs When temps go up, so does stress on your system. Be on the lookout for: Flickering lights Warm or discolored outlets Frequent breaker trips Unusual buzzing or smells from electrical panels If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. Pool and Hot Tub Safety First Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If you have a pool, spa, or hot tub: Make sure all wiring is up to code Equipment is installed by a professional Outdoor breakers and switches are GFCI protected 💧 Tip: Schedule an annual electrical inspection for your pool or hot tub setup—especially if it’s older. Prepare for Summer Storms and Power Surges 🌩️ Summer storms can knock out power or cause damaging surges. Protect your home by: Installing whole-home surge protection Using surge protectors on sensitive electronics Having a backup generator if you live in an area prone to outages Check out our blog that explains what a power surge is and how you can prevent one in your home.
By 7016309225 June 17, 2025
Summer is here—and so are rising temps, longer days, and heavier use of electricity around the home and workplace. Whether it’s cranking up the AC, plugging in outdoor lights, or running tools and equipment for seasonal projects, June is the perfect time to make sure your electrical system is ready for the summer load. At KrisLee Electric, we want to help you stay cool, safe, and energy-efficient all season long. Here are a few things to keep in mind this month: Test and Tune Your AC System Before summer heat hits full force, make sure your air conditioner is wired properly and running on a dedicated circuit. An overloaded circuit can trip breakers—or worse, cause damage or fire hazards. Check Outdoor Outlets and Lighting Using outdoor equipment, string lights, or pool accessories? Make sure all exterior outlets are: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected Covered with weatherproof enclosures Free from wear, damage, or corrosion Don't Overload Extension Cords With more activities moving outdoors—grills, fans, lawn tools, you name it—resist the temptation to daisy-chain extension cords. They’re meant for temporary use and can become serious fire hazards when overloaded. Plan for Summer Projects the Smart Way Thinking of installing a hot tub, EV charger, or outdoor kitchen? Don’t wait until you're halfway through—involve an electrician early to ensure everything’s up to code and safely installed. Schedule an Electrical Safety Check June is a great time for a mid-year inspection—especially if your home is older or you’ve recently added appliances or technology. Need a Hand? We’re Just a Call Away! From routine maintenance to full system upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to help you power through summer—safely and efficiently. 📅 Book your June service today and beat the summer rush!
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