Fall Safety Topics

Explore essential tips and topics for electrical safety this fall.

A residential GFCI outlet in a Vancouver WA home

Now that the days are getting shorter and the winter months are approaching, it is time to make sure your home or business is ready for the months ahead.

Tips for Fall Safety

When daylight savings time arrives, it is indicative that you should replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

It is always a good idea to replace the batteries in your smoke detector at the daylight savings time change. Consider using longer lasting lithium for those hard to reach ones. If you have very high ceilings and need assistance, Prairie Electric can help!

Also, it is recommended that you check your heating system. This can be accomplished by having a mechanical contractor service your furnace and heat pump. If you have electric wall heaters, make sure you clean them out before using them for the first time. Be sure to turn off the breakers in your electrical panel labeled “heat” for your safety. Remove the cover and use a vacuum and a small brush to remove the dust and dirt build up.

Further, your outdoor electrical plugs need to be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)  to ensure your safety. Before using electric leaf blowers or plugging in holiday lights, test your plugs for safety. Electrical code requires a bubble cover that completely covers the cord as it is plugged into the socket.

Cold? Portable space heaters with extension cords are a safety hazard. Have a licensed electrical contractor install in-wall electric heaters if you need additional heat.

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