Emergency Electrical Safety Tips for Holiday Season Power Surges & Outages

The holiday season brings joy, gatherings, and festive lights—but it also increases the risk of electrical emergencies, including power surges and outages. Protect your home and loved ones with these essential electrical safety tips, including advice on portable generator maintenance to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

During the holidays, homes are filled with extra lights, decorations, and appliances, all of which can strain your electrical system. Overloaded circuits, faulty decorations, and improper generator use are leading causes of fires and outages this time of year.

1. Inspect Decorations and Lights Before Use

• Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or broken bulbs before plugging in any decorations.
• Only use lights and decorations certified by safety organizations like UL or ETL.
• Discard any damaged sets immediately to prevent fire hazards.

2. Avoid Overloading Outlets and Circuits

• Never plug too many lights or appliances into a single outlet—this is a common cause of holiday fires and outages.
• Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers for added protection.
• Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each outlet at a time.

3. Practice Safe Cord Management

• Keep cords out of high-traffic areas to prevent tripping and accidental unplugging.
• Never run cords under rugs or furniture, as this can cause overheating.
• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords for exterior decorations.

4. Turn Off and Unplug Decorations When Not in Use

• Always turn off lights and unplug decorations before going to bed or leaving home.
• Consider using timers or smart plugs to automate this process.

5. Keep Water and Electricity Separate

• Never place electrical decorations near water sources, including sinks, bathtubs, or outdoor puddles.
• Water your live Christmas tree regularly to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

6. Prepare for Power Surges and Outages

• Use surge protectors for valuable electronics and holiday lights to guard against sudden power spikes.
• Know your home’s electrical capacity and avoid exceeding it, especially when adding extra holiday lighting.

When outages strike, a portable generator can keep your home running—but only if used and maintained safely.

• Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep generators dry and away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Regularly schedule portable generator maintenance near me to ensure your equipment is ready when you need it most. Routine checks can prevent malfunctions and extend the life of your generator.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance.

• If you notice smoking or sparking outlets, or if there’s an electrical fire, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
• If safe, turn off power at the circuit breaker—never use water to extinguish an electrical fire.
• Keep a UL-rated fire extinguisher accessible and know how to use it.

Staying safe during the holidays means more than just enjoying the lights—it’s about protecting your home and family from preventable electrical hazards. For peace of mind, consider searching for “portable generator maintenance near me” to schedule with a trusted professional, and follow these tips to keep your celebrations bright and safe.

B. Jags Electric wishes you a safe and joyful holiday season.