Our Northern Virginia electrical repairteam at RD Matthews Electrical Contracting has prepared some winter electrical safety tips and advice to help you get through the cold months.

Here are four things to remember during the winter season that can keep your home and family safe.

• Power Outages

Depending on the region you are located in, winter can bring some hazardous weather, and such things as freezing rain and excessive snow can cause power outages due to fallen branches, trees, and more. And while this may not happen yearly, or even very often where you live, being prepared for a winter power outage is important since they can sometimes last hours, or even days depending on what the issue is.

Having an outage kit or emergency package is something important that you should have stored away. This should include a flashlight (with extra batteries), LED candles, water, extra clothes and blankets, and cans of food. If you live in an isolated area or one where long outages can be common, having a backup generator is advisable.

• Heaters

During winter, for people who may be using a space heater, always ensure that you keep it away from furniture, curtains, rugs, etc. These types of heaters offer the benefit of heating a room or an area of a home and won’t cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Keeping that in mind, they can get extremely hot, and any flammable products should be kept away from them due to the danger of potential fires.

Also, be certain that you always turn off your heater if you will not be using it for any length of time.

• Exterior Property Issues

Before winter and after extreme storms, always inspect around the exterior of your home and identify any loose or exposed wiring, as well as any potential areas where water could get in. You can always reach out to an electrical contractor in order for them to see if there are any potential issues with your electrical setup.

• Surge Protector

This is something that can often be overlooked by many homeowners and residents. A surge protector, as the name implies, can help protect your television and other expensive electrical products from damage and electrical shocks.

RD Matthews Electrical ContractingProvides Electrical Repair Service in Northern Virginia At RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, we can provide the electrical repairs needed to keep your Northern Virginia home safe during the winter months (and beyond). For more information regarding our electrical installations and repairs, please contact us today