Electrical Safety Tips for Spring
Preparing Your Michigan Home for Spring’s Unpredictable Weather: Electrical Safety Tips
Why Spring in Michigan Is No Time to Get Comfortable
Michigan weather in March is like a game of roulette—one day it’s sunny and 55°, the next we’re buried under wet, heavy snow. This constant back-and-forth can stress your home’s electrical systems and put your family’s safety at risk if you’re not prepared. This is why our electrical safety tips are so valuable!
At Hartland Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable weather can lead to power outages, fried appliances, and unsafe outdoor wiring. But with a few proactive steps, you can protect your home and avoid costly surprises.
Here’s what every Michigan homeowner should do before spring storms (and sunshine) settle in.
Generator Maintenance – Because Outages Don’t Call Ahead
Give Your Backup Power System a Little Love
If you’ve invested in a whole home generator—great move. But owning one isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Like a car, it needs regular checkups to keep running when you need it most.
What You Should Do:
- ✅ Check the oil and coolant levels
- ✅ Inspect the battery for corrosion or wear
- ✅ Run a quick test to make sure it starts and transfers power correctly
- ✅ Schedule professional maintenance if it’s been over 12 months
Pro Tip: If your generator hasn’t been serviced since before winter, it’s time to call us. Extreme cold and moisture can take a toll!
Surge Protection – Shield Your Home from Power Spikes
Spring Storms Bring More Than Just Rain
Thunderstorms and wind gusts can knock out power—or worse—cause power surges when the grid gets hit or restored. That momentary “blip” can destroy sensitive electronics or even start fires.
How to Protect Your Home:
- ⚡ Install whole-home surge protection at the electrical panel
- ⚡ Use power strips with built-in surge protection for TVs, computers, and game consoles
- ⚡ Avoid plugging too many high-draw devices into one outlet (looking at you, space heaters)
Did You Know? Surge protectors wear out over time. If yours is older than 5 years, it may not offer much protection anymore.
Outdoor Electrical Check – Spring Clean More Than Just the Yard
Water, Wires, and Weather Don’t Mix
As the snow melts and you start using outdoor outlets, lights, or tools, it’s important to check that everything’s in working (and safe) order.
Here’s What to Inspect:
- 🛠️ GFCI Outlets: Test and reset each one to make sure they trip properly
- 💡 Exterior Lighting: Look for cracked fixtures, exposed wires, or burned-out bulbs
- 🔌 Extension Cords: Replace anything frayed or damaged
- 🌳 Nearby Tree Limbs: Trim branches that could fall on your home’s service line
When in Doubt: If you spot anything questionable—like a buzzing outlet or flickering light—call Hartland Electric to assess the issue before it becomes a hazard.
Stay Ahead of the Storm with Help from Hartland Electric
At Hartland Electric, we’re all about keeping Michigan homes running smoothly—especially when the weather refuses to cooperate. Whether you need a generator tune-up, a surge protection upgrade, or outdoor electrical work, our licensed electricians have your back.