🍁 7 Electrical Safety Tips for Fall Homeowners

North by Northwest LLC
Sep 23
2 min read

Protect Your Family, Prevent Hazards, and Save on Energy This Fall

As the crisp autumn air settles in and daylight hours shorten, it’s time to do more than just grab your favorite flannel. Fall presents unique electrical safety challenges for homeowners — from powering up heating systems to preparing for unpredictable weather.

If you're in Portland metro area and want to stay safe and energy-efficient, here are 7 essential electrical safety tips to help you transition smoothly into the season.

🔥 1. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is when heating systems get fired up — and that’s when fire and carbon monoxide risks rise.

✅ Replace batteries if it’s been 6+ months ✅ Test alarms using the "Test" button ✅ Consider upgrading to interconnected or hardwired detectors

💡 Pro Tip: Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly — always check your alarms before the cold hits.

🔌 2. Inspect Outdoor Outlets & Extension Cords

Rainy weather and falling leaves create hazardous conditions for outdoor electrical systems.

✅ Use only GFCI-protected outlets with weatherproof covers ✅ Discard any frayed or cracked extension cords ✅ Never leave cords or plugs exposed to standing water

⚡ 3. Protect Against Power Surges

Storms in fall can knock out power — and fry your appliances.

✅ Install a whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel ✅ Use surge protector strips for computers & TVs ✅ Unplug sensitive electronics during lightning storms

🛠 4. Have Your Electrical Panel Checked

An overloaded panel can cause frequent breaker trips and fire risks.

✅ Look for signs of overheating, buzzing, or corrosion ✅ Upgrade to 200-amp service if your home is older ✅ Book a licensed electrician to inspect it before winter

🌀 5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Did you know you can save on heating costs by reversing your ceiling fan direction?

✅ Switch fan blades to clockwise to push warm air down ✅ Turn fan off before adjusting the direction switch ✅ Use a lower speed to avoid creating a draft

🔦 6. Check Emergency Lighting & Flashlights

Shorter days = higher chance you’ll need backup lighting.

✅ Keep working flashlights on each level of your home ✅ Check or replace batteries ✅ Add battery-powered LED lights in hallways or staircases

✅ 7. Schedule a Fall Electrical Safety Inspection

The best time to catch potential hazards is before they become costly emergencies.

✅ A licensed pro can inspect your panel, outlets, wiring & surge protection ✅ Bundle this with HVAC maintenance for a full fall tune-up ✅ Ask about seasonal discounts or a service membership plan