Are you feeling extra-cautious this New Year? You should be! Ring out the old and ring in the new—and what could be more important than ensuring your home is safe for the New Year? Ring in the New Year with some electrical safety tips! Whether you are planning to celebrate at home or out and about, make sure your festivities don't end in disaster. 

Hands up if you made any new year's resolutions this year? No, not that kind of hand-up. I'm talking about the kind where you put your hand in the air like you just don't care. The most popular New Year's resolution is always to get fit and healthy, but let's face it – that's a lot easier said than done. If you're looking for an easier (and safer) way to start the New Year off right, why not try implementing some safety tips into your routine? Whether you're a first-time homeowner or just want to be extra cautious this year, following these simple steps can help keep you and your loved ones safe from potential hazards. 

A few things that you need to remember as you're celebrating:

1. Make sure all your cords and wires are tucked away safely. Nobody wants to accidentally step on a wire and get zapped! 

2. Don't overload your outlets with too many plugs. This is a fire hazard and can also damage your electronics.

3. Be careful when using candles. Make sure they're placed in a safe spot and don't leave them unattended. 

4. Make sure you check the batteries of your smoke detectors regularly. It's better to be safe than sorry!

5. Lastly, always have the contact information of a level 2 electrician on hand in case of an emergency where you will need assistance. 

Why is electrical safety important in our home? 

Most methods have the ability to cause serious burns or even death. The voltage of a household's available electrical current has enough strength to cause serious third-degree burns and even death by electrocution, which is why it's critical to be aware of and take the required steps to guarantee total safety, especially if you have small kids at home. 

Here are some of the electrical safety tips for your home to help you avoid electrical incidents: 

1. Make sure to use proper electrical and electronic equipment usage. Using all the equipment properly can ensure the safety of everyone in the family for a long period of time. Always make sure to unplug cords properly after usage of any equipment and make sure that you unplug it by pulling the head and not the cord. Make sure not to overextend your cords. Always make sure to inspect your plugs and cord for damage in order to avoid electrical hazards. 

2. You must be sure to avoid contact with live electrical current. Staying away from risks is the right decision to maintain safety. Maintain a safe distance if you are in a room that has more than 50V. Make certain that there are no exposed wires in your home.

3. Place appropriate physical barriers around electrical dangers. To safeguard everyone from risks, physical barriers must always be established. Electrical panel cabinet doors should always be closed and should not have any openings where anyone may get direct contact with exposed components. To ensure safety, there should be physical barriers in place to keep others out of the area if a certified level 2 electrician is conducting repairs on a panel and has to leave the panel open.

4. Air circulation is very important. We need to provide space for our appliances in order for the air to circulate. If there is no proper air circulation, there is a possibility that electrical equipment may overheat and become a hazard. For safety reasons, all flammable objects must be stored somewhere safe and away from appliances. 

5. All your used and unused cords should be properly organized. You should put them in a safety container whenever they are not in use. All cords should be kept away from children and pets. Never stretch your cords because they might overheat if in use. 

6. For safety, always make it a habit to read the instructions on every appliance that you purchase and use. It is important to know how to operate appliances safely to avoid damage that may also cause problems. 

Electrical safety is important for everyone, but it can be especially dangerous. When it comes to safety, the bottom line is that you need to have a plan. By following these simple steps and being proactive about your home’s wiring system, you can keep yourself and your family safe from harm. Your home is a place of refuge, which means you should be doing everything in your power to make it safe for yourself and those who live with you. One way to do this is by making sure all the electrical appliances are up-to-date so they don't pose any potential fire hazards. We’ve provided you with some great electrical safety tips for your home. Now, all that is left to do is make sure these are applied in the right way and enjoy!