❄️ Winter Electrical Safety Tips ❄️
- Trotter Electric
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Keep your home safe and warm this winter with these essential electrical safety tips! From protecting outdoor outlets to safely using space heaters, a few simple steps can prevent hazards and keep your family cozy all season long.
Check Outdoor Outlets
Ensure they are covered and protected from snow and ice to prevent short circuits.
Use Weatherproof Outlet Covers: Install bubble-style covers that protect outlets even when something is plugged in.
Seal Gaps with Caulk: Prevent moisture from seeping into the outlet box by sealing gaps around the outlet plate.
Unplug Unused Devices: Avoid leaving cords plugged in if not needed—this minimizes the risk of water exposure.
Clear Snow Regularly: Keep outlets and cords clear of snow buildup to reduce the chance of moisture getting in.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable items and never plug them into power strips.
Choose Certified Heaters: Look for heaters with safety certifications like UL, ETL, or CSA to ensure quality standards.
Utilize Built-in Safety Features: Choose models with tip-over shutoff switches and overheat protection.
Prepare for Outages
Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy, and consider a backup generator for emergencies.
Create an Emergency Kit: Include flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, bottled water, and blankets.
Consider Surge Protectors: Whole-house or individual surge protectors can protect your electronics from sudden voltage spikes.
Invest in Backup Power: Consider a home generator or portable power station to keep essential appliances running.
Inspect Power Lines
If you see downed power lines after a storm, stay far away and report them immediately!
For residents in the Arkansas River Valley: Report issues to Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation at avecc.com.
For other regions: Find your city’s electrical provider and contact their emergency hotline.
Safety Tip: Never attempt to move or touch downed lines—always leave it to professionals!
Prevent Overloaded Circuits
Avoid plugging multiple high-powered devices into one outlet to reduce fire risk.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Heating appliances and generators increase the risk of CO poisoning—make sure your detectors are working!
Watch for Flickering Lights or Sparks
These can be signs of overloaded circuits or wiring issues—call an electrician if you notice anything unusual.
📞 Need Winter Electrical Help? Call Trotter Electric to stay safe this season! ❄️⚡ #WinterSafety #TrotterElectric
