As December rolls in, Lincoln, Nebraska, is gearing up for a festive holiday season—but with it comes the harsh reality of winter weather and increased electrical demands. At Sentry Electric, we know that the holidays can strain your home’s electrical system, from twinkling lights to space heaters keeping you warm. To help you stay safe and avoid costly issues, here are five electrical safety tips to winter-proof your Lincoln home this holiday season.
Inspect Your Holiday Lights Before Plugging In
Before you deck the halls, check your holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged sockets. Faulty lights can lead to electrical fires, especially when paired with dry Christmas trees. Use LED holiday lights—they’re more energy-efficient (saving you money!) and produce less heat, reducing fire risks.
Sentry Tip: If you’re unsure about your setup, our Lincoln electricians can perform a quick safety inspection to ensure your holiday display is both stunning and safe.
Avoid Overloading Outlets with Decorations
It’s tempting to plug all your decorations into one outlet, but overloading can cause tripped breakers or even fires. Spread out your electrical load by using multiple outlets, and invest in UL-listed power strips with built-in circuit breakers for added protection.
Pro Tip: If your breakers keep tripping, it might be a sign of an overloaded circuit. Contact Sentry Electric for an electrical panel assessment to keep your holidays merry and bright.
Use Space Heaters Safely to Combat Nebraska’s Chill
With Lincoln’s winter temperatures often dipping below zero, space heaters are a popular way to stay warm. However, they’re a leading cause of winter house fires. Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet (not an extension cord), keep them at least three feet from flammable materials, and turn them off when you leave the room.
Why Choose Us? Our team can install dedicated circuits for high-use appliances like space heaters, ensuring your home’s electrical system can handle the extra load safely.
Prepare for Winter Power Outages
Lincoln winters can bring ice storms and heavy snow, increasing the risk of power outages. Now’s the time to ensure your backup generator is in working order. Test it before the storm hits, and keep it well-maintained to avoid carbon monoxide hazards. Don’t have a generator? We can help you choose and install the right one for your home.
Get Started: Schedule a generator maintenance check with Sentry Electric to stay prepared for Nebraska’s unpredictable winter weather.
Schedule a Pre-Winter Electrical Inspection
The best way to prevent electrical hazards this holiday season is with a professional inspection. Older homes in Lincoln may have outdated wiring that struggles with modern holiday demands. Our licensed electricians can check for issues like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or improperly grounded outlets, giving you peace of mind all winter long.