We may not want to believe it, but the holidays are just around the corner! And while you’ll be busy getting ready for visiting relatives and big meal preparations, you should also be taking steps to get your home systems and appliances ready. You’re going to be putting a lot of demand on your electrical grid this year, so taking the time to prepare your electrical system for the holidays is a good place to start.

With the holidays also comes decking out your home in festive lights and decorations, and while these can add a merry touch to one’s curb appeal, they also increase the risk of sparking fires and other electrical complications.

If you want to ensure nothing rains on your parade with the incoming festivities, these essential safety tips below should ensure your home’s electrical system is prepared for the holiday rush.

Tip #1 – Inspect Outdoor Electrical Outlets

Before you string up any decorative displays, it’s best to check for any signs of wear-and-tear. Frayed or exposed wires can do extensive damage to your property if you leave them unattended, so before you wrap the yard with colorful twinkling lights, be sure to spot any faulty components to ensure they don’t become a fire hazard.

Tip #2 – Inspect Indoor Electrical Outlets

The best way to secure your electrical workings at home is to opt for a winter inspection. Professionals can easily spot faulty outlets and other areas that need improvement, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that you can show a brilliant display of the holiday spirit without running into electrical hazards.

Tip #3 – Install GFCI or AFCI Outlets

House fires and electrocution are the two biggest risks associated with electrical problems in the home. It’s worth doing whatever is necessary to mitigate those risks as much as possible. One of the best was to do that is to install GFCI and AFCI outlets. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets shut off the flow of electricity when they detect it is flowing in a way it shouldn’t be. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters shut off when they detect a short in the wiring system. Both are a great way to increase the safety of your electrical system.

Tip #4 – Protect Your Home This Holiday Season

Whether you’re using a fuse box or a circuit breaker, it’s a good idea to have it checked out before the holiday season starts. The electrical panel is an important stop-gap measure to prevent damage to your system in the event of a power surge. You should make sure that it’s working properly now, so you won’t be caught off guard by a malfunction later. If there’s a problem with your panel, fixing it now would be far better than fixing it later, after something goes wrong.

The holiday season is a hectic time for everyone, but the festivities can take a toll on your home’s electrical system in more ways than one. With higher energy consumption, scheduling an electrical maintenance check can do wonders for ensuring your circuit breaker can handle all the excitement without the risk of failing as the celebrations draw near.