The Woodlands Home Electrical Safety Calendar

January

Mild winter

0 of 3 done

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why it matters
A dead battery gives no warning.
When to call a pro: Replace any alarm past the date on the back.
Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn and plug them straight into the wall.
Why it matters
Space heaters are a common cause of home fires.
When to call a pro: Never run a heater on an extension cord.
Walk the house and note outlets or switches that are warm, loose or discolored. See electrical warning signs.
Why it matters
Small problems are easy to fix before they get worse.
When to call a pro: Warm or scorched outlets need an electrician.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Label your breaker panel if the labels are missing or wrong.
Why it matters
In an emergency you want to find the right breaker fast.
Press TEST and RESET on every GFCI outlet.
Why it matters
GFCIs protect against shocks near water and should be tested regularly.
When to call a pro: A GFCI that will not reset needs replacing.
Plan spring projects that need new circuits — EV chargers, workshops, remodels.
Why it matters
Electricians get busy once the weather warms up.

March

Spring

0 of 3 done

Check outdoor outlets and covers before patio season.
Why it matters
Outdoor outlets need GFCI protection and weatherproof covers.
Have a generator serviced or plan a new install. See generator installation.
Why it matters
Installs and service go faster before storm season.
When to call a pro: Generator hookups need a licensed electrician.
Look for branches growing toward the service line to your house.
Why it matters
Branches on lines cause outages and hazards.
When to call a pro: Only a qualified tree service should trim near power lines.

April

Spring storms

0 of 3 done

After storms, look for damaged outdoor lights, outlets and the service line — from a distance.
Why it matters
Storm damage can leave wires exposed.
When to call a pro: Stay away from downed lines and call your utility.
Unplug sensitive electronics during lightning storms, or use surge strips.
Why it matters
Surges can damage electronics.
Consider whole-home surge protection. See surge protection.
Why it matters
It adds a first line of defense at the panel.

May

Getting hot

0 of 3 done

Make sure the AC has its own circuit and the outdoor disconnect is not damaged.
Why it matters
Cooling systems draw a lot of power all summer.
Check ceiling fans spin counterclockwise (looking up) for summer.
Why it matters
That pushes cool air down and helps the AC.
Clean dust from the bathroom exhaust fan and dryer vent.
Why it matters
Lint and dust buildup are fire risks.

June

Storm season begins

0 of 3 done

Review your storm plan: flashlights, batteries, phone chargers and a list of what to unplug.
Why it matters
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Test the generator and transfer switch, if you have one.
Why it matters
You want to know it works before you need it.
When to call a pro: Never backfeed a generator through an outlet.
Keep a battery-powered or portable CO alarm with your generator kit.
Why it matters
Generators make deadly carbon monoxide.

July

Peak heat

0 of 3 done

Avoid running many high-power appliances on one circuit.
Why it matters
Overloaded circuits trip breakers and run hot.
Watch for lights that dim when the AC starts.
Why it matters
It can point to a loose connection or an undersized service.
When to call a pro: Get an electrician to check.
Keep extension cords for temporary use only.
Why it matters
Cords left in place wear out and overheat.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Check pool, hot tub and outdoor equipment for damaged cords and missing covers.
Why it matters
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
When to call a pro: Pool and spa wiring needs a licensed electrician.
Replace any outlet where plugs fall out. See outlets and wiring.
Why it matters
Loose contacts can overheat.
Test GFCI outlets again.
Why it matters
Twice a year keeps you ahead of failures.

September

Storm season continues

0 of 3 done

After outages, check the panel for tripped breakers before calling for help.
Why it matters
Power coming back can trip breakers.
When to call a pro: Breakers that trip again need an electrician.
Restock flashlights, batteries and power banks.
Why it matters
Mid-season storms still happen.
Note any appliance that stopped working after an outage.
Why it matters
Surges during restoration can damage electronics.

October

Fall

0 of 3 done

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and change batteries.
Why it matters
A twice-a-year habit keeps them working.
Have any heating system checked before cold snaps.
Why it matters
Heaters and furnaces need power and safe connections.
When to call a pro: Gas appliances need a qualified technician.
Plan winter projects — lighting, fans, outlets.
Why it matters
Fall is a good time to book indoor work.

November

Holidays begin

0 of 3 done

Check holiday lights for cracked sockets and frayed wires before hanging them.
Why it matters
Damaged lights are a fire risk.
Use outdoor-rated lights and cords outside, plugged into GFCI outlets.
Why it matters
Indoor lights are not made for weather.
Use clips, not nails or staples, to hang lights.
Why it matters
Nails can cut through the wire insulation.

December

Holidays

0 of 3 done

Turn off decorative lights when you leave or go to bed.
Why it matters
Lights left on are a leading holiday fire risk.
Do not overload outlets with power strips chained together.
Why it matters
Daisy-chained strips overheat.
Keep cords out of walkways and away from water.
Why it matters
Damaged cords cause shocks and fires.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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