Summer break means more time at home, more outdoor activities, and more use of electronics, appliances, and extension cords. Following proper electrical safety tips for families can help prevent accidents and keep your home safe throughout the busy summer season.
From pool safety to overloaded outlets and summer storms, homeowners should take a few extra precautions while kids are home and electrical systems are working harder. At Jason Wright Electric, we help Kansas City area homeowners keep their electrical systems safe year-round.
1. Keep Children Away From Electrical Outlets and Cords
With kids home more often during the summer, electrical outlets and cords can become a bigger safety concern.
Here are a few simple ways to improve safety:
- Use tamper-resistant (baby proof) covers or have your outlets replaced with TR (tamper resistant) receptacles
- Avoid leaving cords stretched across floors
- Replace damaged or frayed cords immediately
- Teach children not to insert objects into outlets
- Keep chargers and power strips out of reach of young children
If your home has older two-prong outlets or damaged receptacles, it may be time for an upgrade.
2. Be Careful With Extension Cords
Summer often means extra fans, outdoor lighting, speakers, and power tools. While extension cords are convenient, they should only be used temporarily.
To safely use extension cords:
- Never run cords under rugs or furniture
- Use outdoor-rated cords outside
- Do not overload power strips
- Keep cords away from pools and wet areas
- Unplug cords when not in use
If you regularly rely on extension cords, adding additional outlets is a safer long-term solution.
3. Practice Pool and Water Safety Around Electricity
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If your family uses a pool or hot tub during the summer, electrical safety is critica
l.
Important pool safety tips include:
- Test GFCI outlets regularly
- Keep electronics away from water
- Never handle electrical devices with wet hands
- Have outdoor outlets inspected if they are damaged or loose
- Make sure pool equipment is properly grounded
- Keep extension cords away from water, pools and hot tubs
If you notice tingling sensations near a pool or dock area, contact a licensed electrician immediately.
4. Avoid Overloading Your Electrical System
During the summer months, your electrical system works harder due to:
- Air conditioners
- Fans
- Refrigerators in garages
- Outdoor cooking equipment
- Gaming systems and TVs running throughout the day
If you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or warm outlets, your system could be overloaded.
An electrical inspection can help identify whether your home is keeping up with your family’s power needs.
5. Inspect Outdoor Electrical Equipment
Summer storms and heat can damage outdoor electrical components over time.
Check for:
- Cracked outlet covers
- Exposed wiring
- Rusted fixtures
- Loose outdoor lighting
- Water inside electrical boxes
Keeping outdoor electrical equipment in good condition helps protect your family and prevents future repairs.
6. Prepare for Summer Storms and Power Outages
Kansas City summers often bring strong storms, lightning, and power outages. Preparing ahead of time can help keep your family safe.
We recommend:
- Using surge protectors for electronics
- Keeping flashlights ready
- Avoiding downed power lines
- Unplugging sensitive electronics during severe storms
- Considering a whole-home surge protector
If your home experiences electrical damage after a storm, always have the system inspected before restoring power to damaged areas.
Keep Your Home Safe This Summer
Following these electrical safety tips for families can help protect your home, appliances, and loved ones throughout the summer season.
If you need electrical repairs, outlet upgrades, surge protection, or a home electrical inspection, Jason Wright Electric is here to help homeowners throughout the Kansas City area with trusted residential electrical services.