Holiday Safety Tips

As we enter into the holiday season and people begin decortaing here are a ten electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe:

1. Be sure to look at your holiday lights; if any are cracked or damaged, purchase new ones
2. When purchasing new holiday lights be sure to check the label on the box to ensure they have been tested for safety. Labels should show ETL or UL.
3. Follow warnings on the box of lights on how many lights to string together; as a rule UL recommends using no more than three (3) standard-size sets of lights together.
4. Use caution when hanging or mounting strands of lights to avoid damaging the cord's insulation.
5. When plugging in many different sets of lights; use a surge protecting for safety.
6. When you leave your home or go to sleep, unplug your holiday lights.
7. When using outdoor holiday lights, be sure that you are plugging them into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in order to prevent shock.
8. To help ensure that holiday lights are not left on by mistake, use automatic lighting timers; they are available for both indoor and outdoor use.
9. Do NOT place electrical cords under rugs; try to keep them away from places where people walk.
10. Be sure to use the correct bulb size (wattage) that is right for the fixture.

If you find something that doesn't look right with your holiday lights, we would suggest having a professional look at them or purchase new lights. If you have any other holiday lighting or electrical questions, please do not hesitate to contact us exeterriverelectric@comcast.net. Have a safe Holiday Season.

Home Heating Safety

As we begin into the fall/winter season many of our customers begin using their heaters for the first time of the season. Here are some tips to remain safe when heating your home and your family.

1. Make sure that your heater has been tested for safety. Check the bottom for a label such as ETL, UL or CSA.
2. Be sure when using space heaters that you leave plenty of space around them. Place all space heaters at least three (3) feet away from anything that can burn (furniture, curtains, etc.). Turn off space heaters prior to leaving the room. *Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets
3. Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside or near sleeping areas.
4. Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
5. Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home's central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.
6. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
7. NEVER use an oven or range to heat your home.
8. Portable electric generators MUST be used outside only. NEVER use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect.

These are some simple steps to remember each and every year when using your heating systems. Follow these steps to make your home warm and safe this winter season. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us exeterriverelectric@comcast.net