Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Connecticut While Staying Safe
Everyone looks forward to summer in New England – after all, who doesn’t love the warm temperatures and sunny days that summer brings? Hanging out by the pool, while hosting a BBQ cookout brings family and friends together for getting the most out of the hot days and warm nights we get here in Connecticut.
Stay Safe and Play Safe This Summer
As an electrical repair and services company, we want to help you to be safer during summer days, so we came up with this list of summer electrical safety tips specific to the summer season and its many activities:
- Keep electronics away from the water – If you have an outdoor swimming pool, think twice about putting your portable speakers near the poolside. All electronics should be kept at least ten feet away from any swimming pool, hot tub, or other water source. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, accidents can and do happen.
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords – Need to run a little extra electricity to your patio or porch? Make sure to use an extension cord that is rated for outdoor use. There’s a good chance your cord will be exposed to moisture while outside – and an outdoor-rated extension cord will be able to handle small exposure to water from rain or puddles from pools.
- Inspect your extension cords for damage – Before using any extension cord, inspect it carefully for damage. A damaged electrical cord always presents a safety risk – especially if you plan on using it outdoors. Any cracked extension cords or exposed wires should not be used, especially outdoors where it is exposed to the elements.
- Install GFCIs – A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that can help improve the safety of your outlets. Outlets that are near water sources, such as outdoor outlets or bathroom outlets, should have a GFCI outlet installed. A GFCI will shut off the power to the outlet if the circuit is compromised, like exposure to water, a spilled drink, etc. This will help to protect your electrical appliances as well as keep you and your family safe.
- Trim back your tree branches – If the branches on your property are growing a little too close to any power lines, have them trimmed back to prevent any downed power lines during high winds or thunderstorms that come in late summer when we get tropical storms coming up the east coast during hurricane season.
- Don’t fly kites or drones near power lines – If you have power lines that are located relatively close to your home, keep those kites and drones away from the area.
- Know where your breaker box or electrical panel is located in your home or garage – If there’s any type of electrical emergency in your home, then you’ll need to know where your breaker box is located so you can immediately shut off your power in any emergency situation. It’s also the first thing you check if you suddenly lose power to an appliance or section of your home.
We hope you enjoy all the fun and socializing that the summer days bring, but do it safely. Protect your family and guests from electrical risks and your home from potential damage by following these simple electrical safety tips.
DEGREE is proud to provide you with a wide range of electrical repairs and installation services. If you need an electrician or have questions, give Degree a call, our team of licensed electricians can address all your electrical needs, big or small. Call today!