Do you feel secure in your home? Do you worry about fire or the possibility of carbon monoxide in the home? What would you do in the event of a power outage? Of the various resolutions that you may be thinking of for 2016, few are as important as your home’s safety and security. Whatever the size of your home, however many belongings you have, you’ll want to make certain that you’re doing all you can to protect your loved ones. As a leading provider of electrical services in the area, we offer a number of different solutions. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to keep your home safe and secure all year long.

As a rule, the bottom of any hanging light should be at least 6’8″ off the ground – unless it’s over a table or island. When you have an 8′ ceiling, this doesn’t give you a whole lot of room to play. If you long for the grand impact of a decorative

A room with a single light fixture is depressing. Kick the shadows by adding multiple light sources. A few stylish flush-mount ceiling lights. Some table lamps. An accent light here or there. When you have multiple lights shining in different directions, the space will feel lighter and more open. Make sure to place ceiling lights at least 3′ from the wall, any closer and harsh shadows will make your ceiling seem lower. 

The Christmas carols are already playing nonstop in shopping malls and on the radio. Before you know it, Christmas day will arrive. Whether that means flying off to visit far-flung friends and relatives, or inviting the extended family into your own home, follow these tips to have a meaningful, and safe, holiday season.

Your Christmas Tree 

The tree is the monument around which many families' Christmas celebrations revolve. But beware-- every year an average of 210 homes experience fires caused by their tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

To avoid becoming an unhappy statistic, look for a tree with fresh needles that isn't dried out, and place it in an area clear of any heat sources. Use LED light strands, which produce very little heat, and never hang actual candles from the tree. Dispose of it after Christmas once it starts getting dry and the needles are falling off. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “fire resistant.” 

You also want to ensure the tree is set up securely. At best, a fallen Christmas tree is a shame, and at worst it could cause a hazard, possibly knocking over other items and leaving broken glass, frayed wires, spilled water in its wake.

Don't forget about wire safety. Make sure that none of the cords to your lights are frayed and the plugs are in good working order. Try to avoid an extension cord, but if one is necessary inspect it as well, and ensure it doesn't present a tripping hazard in your house. Finally, don't overload a single outlet with too many lights or you can risk tripping the circuit or even  creating a fire hazard. 

Candles

Candles are an important part of many family holiday decorations, and not just for Christmas. The menorah is a centerpiece of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration, with a new candle lit each day. And people who observe Kwanza light candles to commemorate seven principles of African heritage. Whatever religious or secular tradition you follow, candles bring warmth and light to stave off the darkness of winter. 

While the candles are beautiful and significant, their open flame can also be dangerous to people, pets and your home. For safety, lit candles should never be left unattended, and never placed in an area where a child or pet could get burned or knock them over. Also make sure they aren't near any flammable material like curtains.

If you want to make a semi-permanent window scene for the holiday, it's better to get an electric menorah or other display, and save the real candles for a supervised  and temporary ceremony. 

In the Kitchen

The same precautions that apply to candles also apply to gas stoves and their open flames. Take care that guests don’t bump into the stove or hot pots and pans. Also, some cultures call for fried foods, such as the Hanukkah tradition of frying potato latkes and jelly doughnuts. Enjoy the delicious meals but be careful not to splash cooking oil around the kitchen, which is another fire hazard.

Your Outdoor Display 

It's fun to turn your yard into a scene from the North Pole. Just make sure that any lights and other equipment is rated for outdoor use and won't short out in a snow or rainstorm. As with indoor lights, inspect the cords for any damage and discard those that aren't in top shape. If you need an extension cord, make sure it's rated for the outdoors as well, and don't let it run through puddles or across walkways.

With just minor precautions, you can ensure a safe holiday season focused on family and tradition.

That new electric car will surely save you money on gas and make you feel good about doing something good for the environment, but there are some things you must consider. Before you start planning that trip to Paris with all the money you save on gas, you need to figure out how you will keep the car charged. Without a charge, you will need to rely on gas, thus defeating the purpose of your electric car. This is why you need an electrician. Burbank electric car owners can call The Electric Connection for help.

When you purchased your car of if you are in the research phase and trying to figure out what car to buy, you probably heard about the charging stations. There are two main types. The slower charging stations are much less expensive while the others are faster and more expensive. Obviously, the less expensive station has a major benefit and it can be plugged in virtually anywhere. This makes it convenient to charge the car. However, the downside is the time it takes to give the car a full charge.

On the other hand, you have the initial investment of the faster charging system. But, in this case, the car will charge in about 8 hours versus the 16 to 24 hours it takes for the slower system. Because it is a much more powerful electric car charging station, you will need an electrician. Burbank residents will need a dedicated 240-volt outlet to plug the station into. An electrician will need to check the electric panel to make sure there is enough space to support the additional electrical needs. If you would like to learn more about the different electric car charging stations, give The Electric Connection a call. If you have already made the decision to purchase a fast charging station, we can install it for you.