Old Man Winter is knocking on our doors! Is your home and its electrical service ready for winter? The best time to find out is long before you hear about the season’s first approaching winter storm.
Taking a little time to prepare your home for colder weather has many benefits. You can take comfort in knowing your family will be warm when those icy winds begin to blow. And, even more importantly, you’ll be confident that your house will keep you and your family safe on the chilliest and snowiest nights. We've put together some tips to keep in mind as you're winterizing your home this month.
As leaves fall, notice if your property's tree limbs are close to power lines. Tree branches can fall and snap your power lines during a winter storm. Call NREMC if you think tree limbs are too close to overhead power lines, and we can remove those safely for you.
- Check your furnace or heat pump before you need it. Make sure filters are clean. If you notice odd sounds or smells coming from your furnace or heat pump, turn it off and call a service technician. Mechanical problems can lead to fires. Furnaces that use combustion can also release gases, such as carbon monoxide.
- Winterize electrical outlets on outside walls with insulating covers by carefully selecting outlet kits made to fit. Turn off power to each outlet and check for loose wires or connections that could cause shocks or electrocution. If an outlet wiggles or seems to have loose wires, have a qualified electrician make repairs.
- Before you use appliances or tools that haven't been used in a while, inspect cords, plugs, and outlets to ensure everything is in good working condition. Frayed or damaged cables can become a fire or electrocution hazard.
- Have working flashlights or battery-powered lamps with fresh batteries on hand in case of a power outage.
Last but certainly not least, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check that you have these detectors installed outside of all rooms in your home, ensuring the safety of everyone in the house.
Cleaning your gutters? Read this first
When leaves clog your gutters, it's only natural to want to clear them out. However, it is imperative to be vigilant about the proximity of power lines when cleaning your gutters.
Power lines often run above or near the roofs of your houses, which poses a significant risk when working nearby, especially when using ladders and tools. Always visually inspect the surrounding area for overhead lines and maintain a safe distance away.
Touching power lines, even when wearing gloves or using tools, will cause an electric shock that may cause severe injury or even death. Please take extra precaution when working on your gutters.
Would you like to learn more about electrical safety? We keep our blog updated with the latest safety information and money-saving energy tips.
