Electric blankets can provide some much needed warmth and comfort during the long winter months. Nothing beats a personal heat source on your bed, staving off the nighttime chills. Electric blankets can even help you save money by allowing you to keep your thermostat turned down a few notches. However, these blankets can also be a fire hazard, particularly if they are old or damaged. Read on to learn more about how to stay safe if you choose to use an electric blanket this winter.

Bringing Electrical Work to Your Bed

If you do decide to use an electric blanket, make sure you carefully follow all the instructions regarding use, care and storage so you maintain it in good condition. Most electric blankets are designed to be rolled or hung up when not in use, since folding or bunching them can damage the heating wires. Once a blanket becomes damaged or stops working properly, it's time to dispose of it so you don't risk a fire. Blankets that are more than three years old should be checked carefully, and once they hit a decade of service, it's time to retire them even if they still appear to be in good shape.

You also need to inspect the blanket's cord and verify that it isn't worn, frayed or otherwise damaged. It's generally a bad idea to run the cord under the mattress or under a carpet, which can speed up its deterioration, but you also need to prevent children or pets from chewing on it or playing with it. The best option is often to store the blanket out of harm's way during the day when it's not in use.

Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Even a well-functioning electric blanket can be a hazard if you aren't careful with it. Some authorities even recommend using electric blankets to pre-heat the bed, then stowing them before you actually climb in. When you have an active electric blanket on the bed, you need to also make sure you don't leave any heat sensitive materials above or below it.

Additionally, pregnant women and people suffering from certain illnesses need to be careful that they don't allow an electric blanket to overheat their bodies. Excessive heat can harm developing fetuses, as well as people who have diseases like diabetes. Safer options for supplemental heat sources include a hot water bottle tucked under the blanket, or an electric space heater to warm up an otherwise chilly room.

Expert Treatment for Your Electrical Work

For help evaluating the safety of your wiring or any other electrical work, call an expert electrician today.

As you grow older you begin to understand why your parents cared so much about you not breaking things and wanting the house to look nice – not just when people came over, but all the time. It’s a matter of pride and stature, and with the purchase of a new house, the plan is to make the place into a home – something to be proud of and show off.

We started with art that we found interesting, hanging and placing in the living room, bedroom, and kitchen pieces that spoke to us along with accent pieces that were appropriate. We didn’t flood the place with décor, but it certainly wasn’t boring.

If you own a business and you’re considering exterior pole lighting, you might be unsure of whether or not it’s the right choice for you. Read on to discover the various ways your business can benefit from this illuminating investment.

Exterior pole lighting might not seem like a necessity, but it comes along with certain advantages for both residential and commercial properties. Many homeowners enjoy having this kind of lighting near their porch or front walkway, as it can help give their property a more pleasant appearance. Although this is certainly great for nighttime dinner guests, the benefits of exterior lamps are even more noticeable when it comes to businesses.

When the sun goes down, and all the other storefronts fall into the shadows, exterior pole lighting can help you stand out. Exterior lamps can light up your sign and make your business more recognizable, all while helping people spot you with little difficulty.

Beams from pole lights can provide a large amount of illumination, which you can use to direct people’s attention wherever you want it to go. Like the walkway leading into your business, for example.

There is a lot of variety when it comes to exterior pole lights and the options at your disposal. A number of different looks can be achieved, such as using frosted glass to hide the bulb while also creating a more elegant appearance. With all the options available, you can easily get exterior pole lights in a design that compliments the theme of your business.

Aside from adding functionality and attractiveness to your space, exterior lights can also help your place of business look more impressive and legitimate to prospective customers. If a person walking down the street one evening needs to choose between two competing businesses, it’s likely they’ll come to the storefront marked by a welcoming light out front. Especially if the competitor has a shadowy awning with words they can barely read.