Each season of the year brings with it changes in the weather and our lifestyles. Warmer weather during the spring and summer months coaxes many people outside to participate in activities like swimming, boating, and gardening. The cooler temperatures of fall and winter, on the other hand, encourage many people to cozy up indoors.
 
The type of electrical hazards you may be likely to encounter changes with the seasons. ESFI reminds you to stay focused on safety throughout the year by reviewing the electrical safety tips and information provided for each specific season.

Winter Safety 

Statistics show that sales of electrical products increase during December. This increase in electrical product purchases, combined with the advent of colder weather in many parts of the country, increases the likelihood of electrical fires, electrocutions, and injuries.

More home fires occur during the winter months than during any other part of the year. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. View our library of safe heating resources including our Heat Your Home Safely infographic, to make sure your family and your home remain safe during the frigid temperatures.  

Cooking fires are also common during the winter months due largely in part to the holiday season. Our handy infographic can help you Prevent Common Kitchen Hazards during the winter months and throughout the year.

Further, portable generators are commonly used in the winter as a result of storm-induced power outages.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 50% of all portable generator-related carbon monoxide deaths occur during the winter months (November – February). Also, winter storms can lead to serious hazards such as downed power lines and flooding.  

Following manufacturers’ instructions is the first step in avoiding electrical hazards and preventing deaths and injuries during the winter months and all year long. In this section, you will find safety tips and reminders to help you and your loved ones stay safe during the winter season.

Be sure to refer to our Holiday Safety Resources to make sure that you avoid the hazards that are all too common during this otherwise festive time of year.

Holiday Safety – Visit ESFI’s holiday safety resources to learn how to stay safe during the winter holidays.

Space Heater Safety – More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to space heaters. Learn how to use one safely.

Heating Pads and Electric Blankets Safety – Heating pads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires each year. 

Carbon Monoxide Safety – The winter months hold the highest risk for CO poisoning deaths. Every year over 200 people die from CO poisoning. Learn how to stay safe.

Spring Safety

Warmer weather stimulates an increase in outdoor work in many parts of the country, both on the job and at home. A focus on electrical safety awareness can help ensure these activities do not result in injuries and deaths. 

Following a few simple safety rules can help reduce the number of electrical deaths and injuries:

  • Ladders—even those made of wood—that come into contact with a power line can prove fatal. Keep all ladders at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
  • Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use.
  • Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items.
  • Water and electricity do not mix. Avoid damp conditions — including wet grass — when using electricity.

 

DIY Electrical Safety Tips – Each year, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, electrocution in their own homes.

Power Tool Safety – Each year, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, electrocution in their own homes.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Learn all about these life-saving devices!

Power Lines – You do not have to touch a power line to be in danger. High-voltage electricity can jump to anyone who gets too close. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and their connections.

Summer Safety

Summer is the time for swimming and boating. Storms and heavy rains are also common during the summer season. The combination of water and electricity is extremely dangerous. Awareness of electrical hazards around water can help prevent deaths and injuries. In this section, you will find safety tips and reminders to help you and your loved ones stay safe this summer.

Boating and Marina Safety – Just like your home, it is critical that you have your boat inspected regularly by a licensed electrician and that you are familiar with the electrical system so you can identify and correct any potential hazards.

Air Conditioners and Fans – Hot weather brings increased use of air conditioners. Contact with electric current from air conditioners accounts for a significant number of electrocutions and electrical injuries each year.

Pool and Spa Safety – The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that since 1990, there have been 60 electrocutions and nearly 50 serious electrical shocks involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools. 

Power Tools – According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are nearly 400 electrocutions in the United States each year.

Fall Safety

ESFI reminds you to keep electrical safety in mind as the cooler fall weather moves many activities back indoors. The following safety tips will help you stay safe during the change of seasons:

  • Safely store warm weather tools like lawnmowers and trimmers. Check cold weather tools, such as leaf and snow blowers, along with their power cords, for unusual wear and tear. Repair or replace worn tools or parts right away.
  • Unplug and safely store battery chargers that won’t be in use again until spring.
  • Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture. Make sure wet electrical equipment is inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.
  • Keep dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets, and power cords.
  • Make sure electric blankets are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA, or ETL. Power cords should not be frayed, cracked, or cut.
  • Do not tuck your electric blanket under mattresses or children, and do not put anything, such as comforters or bedspreads, on top of the blanket while it is in use.
  • Never allow pets to sleep on an electric blanket.

 

Do It Yourself Electrical Safety – Each year, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, electrocution in their own homes.

Power Tools – According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are nearly 400 electrocutions in the United States each year.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Learn all about these life-saving devices!

Heating Pads / Electric Blankets Safety – Heating pads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires each year.