Updated January 2025
Winter brings cozy nights by the fire, holiday lights, and an increased need for heating. But it’s also a time when electrical hazards spike.
30% of fires involving electrical failure or malfunction occurred in the cold weather months from
November-February, according to the NFPA. With more devices plugged in to keep us warm, festive, and powered during storms, the risk of electrical issues rises significantly.
The good news? A few simple precautions can make all the difference.
#1: Pack Up the Holidays with Care
As the holiday season winds down and it’s time to put away your decorations until next year, proper storage ensures your lights stay in good condition for years to come. Taking a few extra steps now can keep you safer:
• Unplug and gently remove lights—don’t yank them down.
• Wrap lights around a spool or sturdy cardboard to prevent tangling.
• Store in a cool, dry place using airtight containers to protect from moisture and pests.
This is also a good time to do some “winter cleaning” and replace any old decorations or lights – the older they are, the more likely they are to possibly cause problems next time you plug them in. Check out our articles on Christmas tree lights and outdoor holiday decoration safety for more tips.
#2: Use Space Heaters Carefully
According to the CPSC, space heaters (both fixed and portable) are associated with about 21,800 residential fires every year. Following some safety tips can help prevent catastrophe:
- Don’t place a space heater within 3 feet of any flammable object, including bed sheets, curtains, or upholstered furniture.
- Never leave a space heater unattended, and keep children and pets from getting too close.
- Never use an extension cord – always plug directly into an outlet.
- Don’t overload an outlet or circuit – use an empty, unused outlet.
For additional guidance and peace of mind, check out our full guide on space heater electrical safety.
“Hazard was a space heater. The Ting Fire Safety Team provided me with step-by-step instructions to determine I had two faulty heaters and I disposed of them both. I was surprised with how fast we resolved the issue and how we were able to check multiple other things for safe functionality.”
– Matthew in Covington, GA
#3: Use Heating Pads and Heated Blankets Sparingly
Our Ting Fire Safety Team regularly identifies faulty electric blankets and heating pads – they’re one of the most common Ting-detected electrical fire hazards! The arcing activity in these devices is normally due either to poor component quality (even in newer blankets) or to general wear and age.
To prevent electrical fires in warming devices:
- Replace old heating pads and blankets every ten years.
- Use UL-certified heating pads & blankets from reputable brands. Safety is more important than a bargain!
- Never leave a heating pad or blanket plugged in unattended. Unplug it as soon as you’re done using it.
- Regularly inspect the cord where it connects to the blanket/pad and the controller for compromised insulation or loose connections.
- Be familiar with how and how not to use them, being especially careful not to compress, fold or bury them under heavy items such as mattresses.
Check out our article on heated blanket and heating pad safety for more important tips.
Did you know? In addition to helping protect your home from electrical fires, your Ting app can send Low Temperature Warnings for the sensor’s immediate environment. From accidentally leaving a window open overnight or turning off your smart thermostat while away, this can help you prevent frozen pipes and costly water damage during cold winter months.
#4: Avoid Overloading Outlets
As temperatures drop, you may be using more electronic devices around the house to stay warm and entertained. Overloading electrical outlets can lead to overheating, which significantly increases the risk of electrical fires.
To stay safe this winter:
- Distribute your devices across multiple outlets and circuits to prevent overloading any single one.
- Use power strips with surge protection, but be cautious not to exceed their capacity.
- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips or extension cords, as this can compound the load and create a hazard.
- Check outlets regularly for signs of overheating, like warm surfaces, a burning smell, or discoloration.
Overloading leads to overheating, which can lead to compromised insulation, short circuits, and fires. When in doubt, don’t plug it in. If you’re interested in device cord safety, we provide a full list of tips here.
“The Ting Fire Safety Team was able to narrow down the issue to an old heating pad plugged into a strip which was over-loading the circuit when other items were on at the same time. I discarded the old pad for a new one and now I plug it directly into the outlet rather than the strip.”
– Teresa in Irondale, AL
#5: Practice Electrical Safety During Winter Storms
Blizzards and snow storms can bring power outages, surges, and unexpected electrical hazards. Taking precautions during these events can help protect your home and devices:
- Unplug non-essential devices to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Use generators safely by placing them outdoors, far from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless you have a professionally installed transfer switch.
- Rely on flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire during an outage.
- Inspect cords and connections before use, especially if you’re plugging in backup equipment or heaters, to ensure they are in good condition and free from damage.
Did you know? Ting can work on generator power! In fact, for homes with a built-in backup generator, Ting will notify you if you lose power and generator power comes on. Note: your internet modem/router and Ting sensor should be on a circuit that the generator will power in case of a power outage.
Remember, a few proactive steps today can protect your home, loved ones, and belongings from preventable electrical hazards. Stay warm, stay safe, and make this winter your safest yet!
If you don’t already have one, we encourage you to take time to establish a home safety plan, which includes ensuring you have working smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and charged fire extinguishers.
We are super passionate about helping to protect our customers. If you have questions, especially if you suspect an electrical risk in your home, please contact us immediately. Ting (the sensor and service) is statistically proven to prevent ~80% of electrical fires, significantly reducing electrical fire risk in homes. Ting alone cannot eliminate 100% of electrical fire risks. Trust your senses. Flickering lights, intermittent lights or devices, frequently tripping breakers, or electrical odors can indicate that an electrical hazard is developing.