Staying Safely Warm All Winter | Teems Electric

Now that winter has arrived, we can finally put all of our blankets, sweatshirts and fuzzy socks to good use. You might also be pulling out the space heaters to help aid your heating system on those really cold mornings.

But so carefully! House fires increase in frequency during the winter, and the majority of them are from improper use of heating devices. Winter storms also commonly knock out the power, sometimes for days at a time. This presents other dangers as many of us hook up the generator in order to get things warmed up again.

Make safety a priority this winter and use electric heating units correctly. By taking some simple precautions, you can stay safely warm all winter.

Space Heater Safety

Space heaters are a great way to supplement your HVAC system. They come in a variety of sizes so that you can warm your toes or keep a whole room nice and toasty. Even with a whole host of included safety features, space heaters cause quite a few house fires every year. Before you choose to plug one in, make sure you understand how to use it safely.

Follow manufacturer guidelines, and never plug a space heater into a power strip. Space heaters pull a powerful amount of electricity in order to heat the elements within them and should always be plugged directly into the wall.

They should never be placed near flammable items, like curtains, pillows or rugs. Put them on a flat solid surface, and always turn them off before you leave the room or go to sleep.

If your space heaters are more than five years old, consider replacing them. All space heaters should have an automatic shut-off feature that is activated when they are tipped, and many older models don’t includde this feature. This can prevent fires from accidents after your kids (or four-legged kids) run by and accidentally knock them over.

Generator Safety

Winter in our part of Georgia isn’t usually very extreme, but we still see our share of ice storms and even the occasional snow flurry. Rain can also be common in the winter, which can cause power outages as the temperatures drop for the evening and ice forms on power lines.

If you have a generator and plan to use it in order to keep things warm during an outage, make sure you are using it safely. Generators should never be run indoors. This can create an extremely dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, which will risk your life. Make sure you don’t overload your generator, either—you should only run what is absolutely necessary.

Like space heaters, generators come in a variety of sizes. Choose one that will best meet your needs. If you are using an extension cord to plug into your generator, make sure that it is rated for the correct wattage and outdoor use. You should also ensure your cords are not frayed or broken, and they should be the proper length so that only one cord is needed.

Be prepared so that you stay safe and warm all season long. Check your smoke detectors monthly, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and follow all guidelines in order to prevent fires from improper use. You can continue to enjoy those fuzzy socks without any concerns, no matter what happens!

Want to update your home electrical system, or need regular maintenance on your heating system? Contact us for a warm and safe winter.