As temperatures drop and heaters hum to life, electrical use increases in nearly every home. While electricity helps keep us warm and comfortable, winter also brings unique safety concerns. Follow these tips to stay safe all season long:
1. Use space heaters with care.
Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, or furniture. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet—never into an extension cord or power strip—and turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
2. Check your cords and outlets.
Cold weather often means more plugged-in appliances. Before use, inspect cords for cracks or fraying, and never run cords under rugs or across walkways. Overloaded outlets are a fire hazard, so spread out your devices and use surge protectors when needed.
3. Be smart with generators.
If you use a generator during an outage, operate it outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never plug a generator directly into your home’s electrical system—use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
4. Keep electric blankets and heating pads safe.
Use only one electric blanket or pad at a time and inspect them for damage before turning on. Never tuck an electric blanket under a mattress or use it with pets or small children.
5. Stay alert around power lines.
Winter storms can bring down branches or lines. Stay far away from any downed wires and call CCEC immediately if you see one. Never attempt to remove tree limbs or debris from power lines yourself.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a warm, worry-free winter season while keeping your family and home safe.