Winter brings a noticeable chill into our homes, and while heaters or other warming devices keep us cozy, improper use can cause serious electrical hazards.
From December to February — when these appliances are most used — there is a spike in home fires. Electric blankets and heating pads cause nearly 500 fires annually, mostly from blankets over 10 years old. According to the National Fire Protection Association, improperly used space heaters have been a significant factor in fatal home fires and are responsible for 46% of home heating fires.
By following these simple safety measures, your family will enjoy a safer, warmer winter at home.
Electric Blankets and Heating Pads: Never fold electric blankets, tuck them into other blankets while in use or place anything on top of them because it could cause overheating. Inspect electric cords to look for cracks or fraying.
Candles: Never leave candles unattended and ensure they’re not near any flammable items. Consider using battery operated candles to reduce fire risk.
Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items, children and pets. Don’t leave space heaters unattended and unplug when not in use. Get a space heater with automatic shutoff and safety features like tip over and overheating protection.
Generators: If you need to connect a generator to your home for electricity, you must notify Southern California Edison by completing and submitting an application for interconnection. Attaching a generator to your residence may cause what’s called “backfeed” and can create a dangerous situation. Any crews performing work on a line with backfeed will not know there is power in the line and could be injured or lose their lives. If a line with backfeed breaks and falls to the ground, it could also start a fire or electrocute anyone that comes near the line.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they’re working properly — check the batteries and change them every six months.
Electrical Plugs: Be mindful of how many appliances are connected to an extension cord. Don’t overload outlets. Outlets can wear out over time and increase the risk of fire. Licensed electricians should inspect outlets that are loose or discolored.
For more information on how to keep you and your family safe, visit sce.com/safety/family.
