5 tips to ensure your home is safe from electrical fires

Everyone loves autumn — the incredible fall colors, the nip in the air, pumpkins popping up on doorsteps. It's also the time people should be prepping their homes for the long winter's nap and observing some important safety measures along the way. October is Fire Prevention Month, and it's perfectly timed because we're all heading into the season when we cozy up with heaters, electric fireplaces, tree lights, and more. It's also the season when bad weather can cause power outages, necessitating the use of generators. So, it's a great time to be extra mindful about fire and electrical safety.

Here are some tips for fire prevention.

Schedule a home electrical safety check

When your local Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, performs an electrical home safety check, they carry out a thorough examination of your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical wires, systems, and components meet legal safety standards, using the National Electrical Code (NEC) as their primary guideline. Not only is it important for the safety of your home and everyone in it, but getting your home’s electrical system checked by a professional will also offer you peace of mind.

Upon completion of your electrical home safety check, you'll receive a detailed, prioritized checklist that includes areas that need immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities.

Be careful with your electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are easy to install, have the same cozy ambiance as a fireplace, and provide heat and warmth as well. They're much safer than traditional space heaters because they're sturdy and are nearly impossible to knock over. But people still need to be mindful. Safety guidelines to follow: keep other objects like blankets, electronics and toys away from the fireplace, avoid touching the surface because it can become quite hot, don't leave kids or pets unattended around your electric fireplace, and don't use the unit outside. Unplug it when it's not in use, and never modify an electric fireplace (or any electric appliance). That's the job for a pro.

Teach your kids about electrical safety

Child-proofing your electrical outlets is Parenting 101. But it's just as important, maybe more so, to teach your kids about electrical safety. It's vital they know not to put anything into an outlet, how to plug and unplug a cord safely, and that water and electricity is a deadly combination.

Mind your circuits

Everyone has tripped a circuit at one time or another and has had to head to the circuit breaker to flip it back on. If this happens once in a while, it's usually not a big deal. If it's happening a lot, and you're not to blame by, say, plugging five appliances into a single power strip, it's time to upgrade your circuit breaker. Constantly tripping circuits can cause damage to appliances and your electrical system and even cause fires. If you want to find out more about installing a new circuit breaker or otherwise want the advice of a professional electrician, your local Mr. Electric can help! Find your nearest location by typing in your ZIP code on their homepage, then schedule an appointment online.

Prep for winter power outages

Do you have a whole-house surge protector? If not, now is the time to invest in one. That, along with a generator, can help ensure your family isn't left in the dark when the power goes out. If you're not sure what size of generator to choose, calling the pros is a wise option. Your local Mr. Electric can help you choose the right generator for your home before you need it. They'll install it, maintain it and make sure your electrical system is ready for the next big storm.

For more information about getting an electrical home safety check, contact your local Mr. Electric.