With little ones crawling around the floors, it is hard to always keep an eye on what they are doing all the time. Electrical outlets are at the perfect height for them and seem to be the most interesting thing to investigate. This convenience leads to hundreds of children suffering severe shock (electrocution) each year. This is why tamper resistant outlets are so important. If your home is missing tamper resistant outlets, it may be time to upgrade.

A tamper resistant outlet looks just like a normal outlet, to the untrained eye but have important mechanisms behind the plastic to ensure that nothing foreign can find their way into electricity. Behind the two top prong holes is a small plastic panel. This panel slides across to cover the prong holes. If a child approaches the receptacle with a key or other narrow object with the intention to insert it into the outlet, the plastic panel will prevent them. No matter how much force they apply, it will block the foreign object from entering the outlet and allowing electrical current to escape.

If this plastic panel is preventing objects from entering the prong holes, how do you plug in your normal devices then? The trick to this is that pressure must be applied equally through both prong holes in order to slide the panel to the open position. If there is uneven pressure, the panel does not move. This is how it can prevent paperclips from entering, but operates seamlessly when plugging in a lamp.

Tamper resistant outlets can prevent serious injuries to children. If you have a young one making their way around your home and you aren’t sure if you have tamper resistant receptacles, now is the best time to check. Contact your local Expert Electric at 604-681-8338. We can help to identify what kinds of outlets are used in your home, and upgrade them if needed.

Your smoke detector is arguably the most essential safety fixture in your home. However, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report found that at least 5 million homes in the U.S. still don’t have smoke alarms. According to the NFPA, having a working smoke alarm cuts one’s chances of dying in a reported fire in half. But since most of us are so accustomed to this appliance, it becomes easy to take it for granted and remember how important it is to our security.

Obviously, your smoke alarm’s primary function is to notify you of any suspicious smoke inside your house. This includes anything from burnt cooking, improperly extinguished cigarettes/cigars (actually among one of the most common causes of fire), and electrical fires. Your alarm will sound at the first sign of trouble, hopefully notifying you of the fire before flames can spread to other parts of the house. Likewise, many electrical fires first take shape as a spark followed by smoldering wires. Your alarm will be able to give you some warning before the fire gets out of control, protecting you and your family.

To optimize your safety in the event of a fire, we recommend taking the following steps:

If you need assistance with your smoke alarm or would like to schedule a home electrical safety inspection, contact Bryant Electric Service today. We are one of the most trusted electricians in Austin, TX and are happy to answer your questions!

Throughout much of the country, there's always the chance that a winter snowstorm could disrupt your best-laid plans. School can get canceled, and though it's less likely, you might even get the day off of work. But once you're left to your own devices, what do you do with the day?

Snow Day Activities

Suddenly have the day off? Looking to fill some time with the family? Here are a few ideas to help make the most of the opportunity:

The Classics. Since you already owe your day off to the snow, you may as well pay it tribute. Pull the sled out of the garage and find the best hill in town. Grab a friend and build a snowman. Find even more friends for a snowball fight. Flop on the lawn and make a snow angel. You're never too old to enjoy a good snowfall!

Build Snowcastles. Your beach bucket and shovel don't need to wait around in storage until summer. Take them outside and build a kingdom of snowcastles -- if the snow is wet enough.

Make a Rainbow. Fill spray bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring, and let the kids go outside to create their own artwork in the snow. There's no mess, and it's a great way to make the world your canvas.

Bake Cookies. If it's just too cold to be outside, make things warmer inside by whipping up a batch of homemade cookies or your favorite baked treat.

Indoor Snowflakes. Bring that snow day magic indoors by making unique snowflakes out of coffee basket filters. Simply flatten a filter, fold it in half at least three times over and use scissors to cut designs of your choosing. When you're done, unfold the filter and see your symmetrical snowflake!

Do a Good Deed. If the snow has piled up, chances are you know at least one neighbor with a snow-covered sidewalk or driveway. Chip in to keep the neighborhood safe by shoveling it for them.

When the Power Goes Out

Because snow days are called for inclement weather, there's always the possibility that conditions will force a few power lines to the ground. This is an especially serious concern if the storm includes a lot of freezing rain, which can accumulate on power lines and weigh them down.

If the power goes out in your neighborhood, be sure to follow these basic safety tips:

Look carefully for downed power lines. If and when you see one, don't approach it. Call 911 immediately to report the location.

Turn on your local radio and keep your smartphone active for emergency weather alerts. If circumstances are expected to worsen, you'll want to know in advance so you can make additional preparations.

Look after the well being of your neighbors, especially those who are older or disabled. Some homes may be without heat or the ability to cook at home.

Drive with extreme caution if you must go anywhere. A power outage in your area may also mean that nearby traffic lights are disabled, requiring motorists to be exceptionally alert.

If you're lucky enough to get a snow day this winter, make the most of it! And if you're tiring of the disruption, contact your local electricians to inquire about backup generators and other solutions for your home comfort.