Summer is one of the best times of the year for being outside. Not only are the kids home from school for a few months, but it\u2019s the ideal time for families to go on vacation together and enjoy the moments together that make some of the best memories.<\/p>\n
And while we\u2019d never do or say anything to imply otherwise, we feel we\u2019d be doing something wrong if we didn\u2019t warn you of all the dangers of being outdoors. While everyone\u2019s out and about playing or working in the yard, they\u2019re still likely using electricity. Whether that\u2019s power tools or a grill, electronics aren\u2019t limited to indoor use by any means.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not careful, you can accidentally get hurt by an electrical appliance. And if you\u2019ve got younger kids running around, you\u2019ll need to be doubly cautious to be sure they don\u2019t inadvertently come across something that could hurt them. We want all of our Orlando neighbors to enjoy the summer as much as possible, so we at Home Service Heroes have compiled a quick list of things to keep in mind when spending time outside.<\/p>\n
To be extra sure that your outdoor environment is totally safe, give us a call! Our electricians can double-check and make sure all of your outdoor electrical receptacles are A-Okay for everyone in your home.<\/p>\n
Give a quick glance at the exterior outlets around your home. They should be GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) units \u2013 meaning that they protect delicate electrical components from short-circuiting. These outlets are designed to counteract the harmful effects water can have on electricity, so they shut themselves off quickly if they detect even the slightest difference in current strength.<\/p>\n
Make sure they all work. You may need to press the \u201cRESET\u201d button on the outlet to prime it, but that should be all you need to do. All of your exterior outlets should be GFCI versions, but if for some reason they\u2019re not, call an electrician!<\/p>\n
Although they may all seem the same, not all extension cords are designed to be used outdoors. Some are specifically designed to function inside, while others are created with a lesser amperage load in mind. If you hook up an extension cord to a power tool that can\u2019t handle the current for it, for instance, then several problems could ensue \u2013 like overheating or damage to the motor.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s common sense not to use electrical appliances when the rain starts coming down, but it never hurts to bear repeating. Any time rain begins falling \u2013 no matter how heavy \u2013 it\u2019s time to pack up whatever you were doing. Even if there\u2019s just a light pitter-patter on the deck and you\u2019re trying to grill up some burgers, shut it down and wait it out.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not ideal, and it\u2019s definitely not any fun, but you\u2019d much rather be safe than sorry. The same goes for any time you see a storm \u2013 but it extends beyond electrical safety. The minute you spot some lightning in the distance, get indoors.<\/p>\n
Being outside should be a time of fun and laughter, not one spent repairing an appliance or tending to someone because they weren\u2019t smart about being safe. Make sure everyone knows the rules of being outside, and let them know what to do in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n