Years ago life was simple and electrical outlets were abundant. No more. Now it seems we’re overrun with TVs, DVRs, modems, appliances, computers, you name it. And what few outlets are left fill up with phone chargers and tablets.

Extension cords and power strips are often used to fill the gap, but improper use is dangerous. Small devices such as lamps, radios, and the like may generally be powered with an extension if needed, and heavy duty extensions rated appropriately can be safely used to temporarily power electrical tools and other devices.

As we all breathe a sigh of relief at summer’s end, we also realize that it won’t be long before we’re dealing with mercilessly cold winter weather. And, as the mercury drops, heating bills can really begin to skyrocket in a hurry!

Each year, more than 25,000 electrical fires are reported, killing or injuring more than 1,300 people. At Gary Houston Electric Company, we want you to be a customer, not a statistic, so we’ve put together a list of some of the most common causes of home electrical fires, and what to look for to prevent them.

Most people living in older homes understand that no matter how well-built the home is, there is a certain amount of routine maintenance that must be performed every few years. This is particularly true for the home’s electrical service. A good rule of thumb is to have your home wiring inspected about every 25 years to ensure that the home meets current electrical safety standards.

Summer has finally departed, hopefully taking those high cooling bills with it, along with the threat of random power outages due to overloaded electrical systems. But, this is Arkansas, and the coming winter brings its own style of entertainment.

In just a few short weeks winter will be making another entrance, bringing with it uncertain weather and a risk of widespread power outages. But some smart preparation can help you weather the storm.