Ensuring Electrical Safety During the Holiday Season

GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt -  Home Electrical Safety - Keating Electric - Westchester NY

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, often, dazzling decorations. As we adorn our homes with lights, ornaments, and other festive displays, it's crucial to prioritize safety, particularly when it comes to electrical systems. Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe during the Christmas holidays:


Inspect Decorations and Lights


Before decking the halls, carefully examine all your holiday lights and decorations. Look for frayed wires, broken sockets, or any signs of damage. Discard and replace any damaged items to prevent electrical hazards.


Use Outdoor Lights Properly


When hanging lights outside, ensure they are specifically designed for outdoor use. Keep the plugs and connections away from wet or damp areas and use insulated hooks or clips to secure the lights, avoiding damage to the cords. Always plug outdoor lights into GFCI protected outlets. 


Mindful Power Usage


Avoid overloading electrical outlets by limiting high-wattage decorations. Spread out your electrical load by plugging decorations into different outlets and using surge protectors where needed. Most newer decorative lights use LED lamps and use far less electricity than the older types. 


Unplug When Unattended


Before leaving home or going to bed, remember to unplug all decorative lights and displays. Better yet, use a timer. This simple action can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by overheating. 


Check Smoke Alarms


Ensure your smoke alarms are working correctly by testing them before the festive season begins. Replace batteries if necessary, and consider installing additional smoke alarms in key areas for extra safety.


Be Cautious with Candles


Consider using some of the many realistic looking battery-operated candles. Use extra caution with real candles as flames can pose fire risks. Keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Real candles are flammable and are responsible for many house fires every year. 



By following these precautions, you can enjoy a festive and safe holiday season with peace of mind. Prioritizing electrical safety not only protects your home and loved ones but also ensures the season remains joyful and stress-free.


Remember, a little caution goes a long way in preventing accidents. Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season from Keating Electric!



Top Electrical Resolutions for  a Safer, Smarter, and More Efficient Westchester Home in 2026
January 5, 2026
As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to set resolutions that improve your home’s safety, efficiency, and value. While most people think of health or financial goals at the start of the year, electrical upgrades and maintenance are just as important for long-term peace of mind. Here are the top electrical resolutions every homeowner should consider for a safer and smarter home this year. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting Make the switch to LED lighting or smart bulbs throughout your home. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs—saving you money month after month. Schedule a Whole-Home Electrical Inspection Start the year with a comprehensive electrical inspection from Keating Electric. An inspection can catch outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or code violations—preventing costly or dangerous problems later on. This is especially important for homes over 30 years old. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel If your home still has a fuse box or an older panel that’s constantly tripping breakers, 2026 is the year to upgrade. A modern electrical panel can handle today’s energy demands safely, especially if you're planning to add new appliances, a home EV charger, or heat pumps Add Smart Home Features Smart thermostats, lighting systems, outlets, and security devices aren’t just convenient, they can also increase energy efficiency and home value. Invest in Surge Protection With more electronics and appliances than ever, whole-home surge protection is a must. It guards your devices from power surges caused by storms, outages, or utility issues—offering protection beyond a basic power strip. Replace Damaged Outlets and Switches If you’ve noticed discolored, loose, or non-working outlets or switches, don’t put off fixing them. These are signs of wear, poor connections, or potential fire hazards. Replace them with modern, tamper-resistant options for added safety. Consider a Backup Generator Power outages are becoming more common due to storms and aging infrastructure. A standby generator can keep your essential systems running—like heating, refrigeration, and medical equipment—when the grid goes down. Childproof Your Electrical System If you’re expecting a new baby or have young children at home, make 2026 the year you childproof your electrical system. Install safety caps on your outlets or have a licensed electrician install tamper-resistant outlets. It’s also important to secure cords and make sure outlets near water sources are GFCI-protected. Plan for EV Charging at Home Thinking of buying an electric vehicle in 2026? Start planning now. A licensed electrician can install a Level 2 home charging station, so you’re ready for faster, more convenient charging right from your garage or driveway. Stay On Top of Regular Maintenance Set a reminder to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and GFCI outlets monthly. Replace batteries annually and test functionality to ensure your home’s early-warning systems are always ready. Start the Year Strong with a Trusted Electrical Partner Make your 2026 resolutions count by partnering with experienced, licensed electricians. Whether you’re modernizing your home, boosting efficiency, or improving safety, Keating Electric can help you plan and execute your goals with confidence. Need help getting started? Contact us today to schedule a home electrical evaluation or discuss your 2026 upgrade plans.
Electrical Safety at Home - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
December 10, 2025
Electricity is an essential part of daily life, but it also comes with safety risks when not handled properly. Here’s what you should know to keep your household safe.
Signs Your Business Needs an Electrical Upgrade - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
November 11, 2025
Outdated or undersized electrical infrastructure can quickly become a liability for a business. An overloaded electrical system can pose serious safety risks.
Halloween Electrical Safety - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
October 14, 2025
While setting the Halloween scene with spooky decorations, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and creative lighting displays, be sure to keep electrical safety top of mind.
Residential Outdoor Lighting Safety: Protecting Your Westchester Home and Family - Keating Electric
September 22, 2025
A well-lit house exterior can help deter intruders, reduce the risk of trips and falls, and help your family and guests navigate your property safely at night.
Signs Your Home Needs Electrical Rewiring
August 6, 2025
Noticing flickering lights, tripped breakers, or discolored outlets? Learn the warning signs that your home may need electrical rewiring—and how to stay safe.
Summer Energy Efficiency Tips - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
July 8, 2025
Beat the summer heat and lower your electric bill with expert energy-saving tips. Learn how small upgrades and smart habits can boost your efficiency.
Why Businesses Trust Keating Electric - Commercial Electrical Contractor in Westchester NY
June 10, 2025
At Keating Electric, we specialize in commercial projects of all sizes. From routine maintenance and code compliance upgrades to complex installations, our team has the knowledge and experience to deliver results that meet or exceed expectations. We understand the unique challenges that commercial properties face and provide solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
How to Save on Your Electric Bill - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
May 13, 2025
Tired of high energy bills? Discover 10+ smart ways to cut costs at home — from LED lights to smart thermostats and energy audits. Start saving today!
Whole House Surge Protection - Keating Electric - Westchester NY
July 11, 2024
Power surges can occur for various reasons, including lightning strikes and utility grid fluctuations. These sudden spikes in voltage can wreak havoc on your electronic equipment, causing irreparable damage. Protect your valuable electronics with whole house surge protection.