Electrical & Heating Tips to Keep Your Family & Pets Safe in Winter

Except for the hardy few, most of us tend to spend more time indoors in winter and that can mean more exposure to heating and electrical hazards for your family and your pets. Check out these heating and electrical tips to keep your family safe this winter:

Electrical Safety Tips in Winter

• Manage your cables: Computers, smartphones, smart home devices—it seems we all have more cables plugged into outlets. Cords can be a danger if pets or children get tangled up in them. Keep cables safely out of reach of children who might play with them or animals who might chew them!
• Don’t overload electrical outlets: Overloaded outlets can lead to fires or damage. Use surge protectors with automatic shutoff features.
• Use plastic outlet covers: They keep children from putting their fingers, toys, or other objects into the outlet.
• Keep your pet water bowls away from electrical appliances: A spilled water bowl could cause a serious electrical hazard.
• Consider battery-operated candles: If you like candles for ambiance, consider battery-operated ones that are safer around curious kids or tail-wagging pups!
• Inspect your electrical cords and extension cords: Damaged cords are an electrical hazard.
• Call an electrician for electrical issues: They can inspect and repair issues with your home’s electrical wiring and assess if you may need an upgrade of your electrical panel.

Heating Safety Tips in Winter

• Don’t leave a space heater unattended: Space heaters are often used this time of year to augment your home’s heating system. You should opt for one with built-in safety features like tip-over protection or automatic shut-off in the event a child or pet knocks it over.
• Plug your space heating directly into an outlet: Never use an extension cord with a space heater.
• Create a warm and safe spot for your pets to enjoy: They should have a spot away from a heater or fireplace, which could dry out your pet’s skin or cause overheating.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: These detectors keep you safe. You should also ensure your family has an emergency plan so everyone understands what to do. Include your pets in the family plan.
• Have your furnace inspected yearly: Routine heating maintenance can alert you to any issues that could cause your system to break down, leaving your family cold while waiting for repair.
• Replace dirty air filters: Dirty filters put more strain on your heating system, making it less efficient.
• Evacuate if you smell rotten eggs: It could be a dangerous gas leak from your heating system. Immediately leave the home and call for emergency heating repair.

Call Service Today

Keep your home cozy and safe this winter. If your heating or electrical system needs service, call in the experts at Service Today.

Our team can service your heating system from maintenance and repairs to installation and replacement, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, geothermal systems, hybrid systems, and ductless heating. Our experienced electricians can ensure that your electrical system is safe and reliable.

Serving Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania since 1952, Service Today makes it right… right now!

Call Service Today to schedule home services! We offer heating solutions in Easton, MD, New Castle, DE, or Upper Darby, PA, and surrounding areas. We also offer electrical services throughout Maryland and Delaware!