Summer is heating up in Des Moines, and kids are ready for the extended break. The added free time can lead to added worries, however, and being unprepared means less time for recreation. Custom Electrical Services believes a homeowner should have a solid safety plan in place during the summer holiday. We’ve compiled a few essential tips to follow for peace of mind for your home throughout the season.

First Aid and Medicine

• Summer means more bugs, more allergies, and more injuries.
• Plan for the pollen and have allergy medicine ready for you and your family.
• Bug spray, yellow lights, and repelling oils will stop the invasion of insects, especially the disease-carrying mosquitos.
• First aid kits should be easily accessible to prevent further injury and infection.
• If you have a pool, make sure that first aid instructions are clearly posted – and safety procedures are practiced by everyone in the family.

A Tornado Escape Plan

• On average, Iowa receives 45-50 tornadoes a year, and summer is prime for the natural disaster.
• Have an idea on where to go during a tornado, and keep emergency supplies handy.
• Go for places such as storm shelters and concrete panic rooms, or an underground shelter if you have one.
• If not available, then a downstairs bathroom or closet can offer protection.
• Custom Electrical sells and installs portable generators to have as backup during an outage.

Security System

• If you plan on traveling extensively this summer, make sure that your security system is working properly.
• Always test your security cameras, door sensors, and smoke detectors at least once a month.
• Check your security system once a month for frayed wiring and damaged insulation.
• Have cameras that are weather resistant, vandal-proof, and have night vision.
• Change your smoke detector batteries twice a year, and replace them entirely every ten years.
• Your door sensor needs proper positioning to work, so check frequently and reposition if necessary.
• Consult with an electrical professional if you are unsure about your security system.
• Professional exterior and landscape lighting will help ensure that your household is safe at night.

Summers are meant for relaxation and recreation. Make sure that you keep that focus with these easy, proactive tips to get peace of mind for your home this summer. If you don’t already have a dependable back-up generator or exterior lighting, then contact the professionals at  Custom Electrical Services! For over 10 years, we have been central Iowa’s most trusted electrical contractor. If you are ready for a safer home, contact us at 515-669-3418 to schedule an appointment today!

For the best in quality electrical repair work and installations, contact the professionals at Custom Electric!  Be sure to check back here each week for helpful advice, news, and guides or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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• summer