Enjoy a Safe Spring With These Electrical Safety Tips

As New York days grow longer and the weather warms up, you likely will spend more time in your Smithtown backyard sprucing up the garden, having fun with your family, or just kicking back and relaxing. 

At HomeOps, we want you to enjoy the season safely, knowing your home’s electrical system and your family coexist without incident this spring. Our licensed electricians can give you peace of mind by inspecting your indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, wiring, outlets, switches, and more.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fire departments nationwide in 2021 responded to an estimated 24,200 residential electrical fires that caused some 295 deaths, 900 injuries, and over $1.2 billion in property loss.

Safety inspections reduce the risk of electrical fires and shocks while identifying outdated wiring and other failing components. Our qualified electricians at HomeOps can fix system issues before they spiral and cause disastrous results.

Schedule an inspection by calling us at 631-509-2000 or request service online. 

Springtime Electrical Safety Tips

You can do your part to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe from electrical hazards with these spring safety tips:

• Outdoor Outlets
  Before hanging new garden lights around your patio or powering the hedge trimmer, check the outdoor electrical outlet you plan to use. Look for cracks, exposed wiring, and other signs of wear. Is the cover secure or open and allowing the elements?

• Outdoor Lighting
  Like your outdoor outlets, light fixtures should be weatherproof and securely attached to your home or garage to prevent water from seeping inside your home. 

• Overhead Power Lines
  You may barely notice the outdoor wires that run from your home or neighbors’ homes over your property to the utility power lines. Always use caution when working or playing near electrical lines that stretch over your yard.
  
  Refrain from flying kites and drones or using sports equipment that might conflict with wires. Trees near overhead wires should be off-limits for climbing. Avoid planting trees where they may conflict with overhead wires as they grow.

• Underground Power Lines
  Whether carving out a portion of your backyard for a koi pond or adding a sunken patio and garden, call your utility companies to find out about underground obstructions. You want to avoid digging near gas and electricity supply lines. You might also obtain that information by calling your county government. 

• Caulking Around Wiring
  The overhead wire that supplies electricity to your home runs through an exterior wall and connects to your breaker box. The conduit containing a refrigerant line and electrical wiring runs from your air conditioner or heat pump through an exterior wall into your home. Caulk the entry point to prevent water from seeping into your home and wetting wires.
  
  Inspect the caulk for cracks or holes occasionally and re-caulk if necessary. 

• Electric Equipment
  Check electric lawn equipment, power tools, and extension cords. Address fraying, exposed wires, and other issues before using the items this spring. All electric-powered equipment should be dry and protected from water.
  
  Keep all electric-powered equipment away from pools, water hoses, and sprinklers. Do not attempt to cut wet grass with an electric mower. If you wash your car at home, clean the interior first. Unplug and safely stow extension cords and vacuums before you soap and hose off your vehicle. 

Get an Electrical Inspection for Your Smithtown Home Today

Use outdoor electrical tools, outlets, and fixtures at your Smithtown, New York, home safely this spring.  Schedule an electrical inspection by calling HomeOps at 631-509-2000 or request service online.