Don’t Leave Santa in the Dark: Why Backup Generators Are a Holiday Lifesaver

The holiday season is the most magical time of year, filled with sparkling lights, festive feasts, and cherished traditions. But nothing puts a damper on holiday cheer faster than a power outage caused by a winter storm. Without electricity, the lights dim, the house chills, and all those delicious holiday meals are left half-cooked. To keep the festivities glowing, a backup generator is the ultimate holiday lifesaver.

Winter Storms and Power Outages: A Recipe for Holiday Disruption

In Montana, winter storms are no stranger to heavy snow, ice, and high winds that can knock out power for hours—or even days. Just as you’re gathering with loved ones, a sudden outage can leave your home in the dark and cold. Beyond the inconvenience, outages can lead to frozen pipes, spoiled food, and unsafe conditions for your family.

Why a Backup Generator is Your Holiday Hero

A backup generator automatically kicks in when the power goes out, providing electricity to the essentials that keep your home safe, comfortable, and festive. Here’s how a generator saves the holidays:

1. Keep the Lights On: No need to worry about Santa missing your house! A generator ensures your holiday lights, tree, and decorations shine bright through the storm.

2. Stay Warm and Cozy: Heating systems rely on electricity to keep your home comfortable. A generator powers your furnace or space heaters so your family can stay warm when the temperatures drop.

3. Save Your Holiday Feast: Whether it’s a turkey roasting in the oven or pies baking to perfection, a backup generator keeps your kitchen running so you don’t have to settle for sandwiches by candlelight.

4. Power Essential Devices: From medical equipment to Wi-Fi routers and phone chargers, a generator ensures you can stay connected and safe during an outage.

5. Avoid Frozen Pipes and Costly Damage: By keeping your heating system on, a generator helps prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting—a common winter problem that can lead to expensive repairs.

Choosing the Right Backup Generator

Generators come in different sizes and types to meet your home’s needs. For full-home coverage, a standby generator is the best choice. It’s permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically when power is lost. Bowman Electric can help you determine the right size and setup to keep your home running smoothly through the winter storms.

Peace of Mind for the Holidays

Investing in a backup generator is more than just a safety measure—it’s peace of mind. You can enjoy the holidays without worrying about disruptions, knowing that your family, home, and traditions are protected no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Don’t Wait Until the Lights Go Out

Don’t leave Santa—or your family—in the dark this holiday season. Contact Bowman Electric today to discuss installing a backup generator. From selecting the right model to expert installation, we’ll ensure your holidays are bright, warm, and worry-free.

Bowman Electric: Keeping Your Holidays Powered and Bright.

Holiday Electrical Safety Tips for DIY Decorators

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating our homes with twinkling lights, festive displays, and charming decorations. While decking the halls can be fun, it’s important to prioritize safety when working with electrical components. Here are some essential tips to keep your holiday decorating safe and stress-free.

1. Inspect Your Lights Before You Hang Them

Did you know that even small cracks in the insulation of holiday lights can lead to shocks or fires? Before hanging lights indoors or outdoors, inspect each strand for frayed wires, damaged plugs, or broken bulbs. Replace damaged lights immediately and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED options for a safer, longer-lasting display.

2. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday decorations can add significant electrical load to your home. Plugging too many lights and decorations into a single outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and tripped breakers. Use multiple circuits to spread the load, and if your outlets aren’t keeping up, consider having additional outlets installed by a professional electrician.

3. Use the Right Extension Cords

Not all extension cords are created equal. Outdoor decorations should always be plugged into weather-resistant, heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use. For indoor use, ensure cords are properly rated for the wattage of the decorations. Did you know that using an indoor-rated cord outside can lead to electrical shorts or damage from exposure to weather?

4. Secure Cords Safely

Avoid running cords under rugs, through doorways, or in high-traffic areas. Doing so can lead to tripping hazards, cord damage, or overheating. Instead, use cord protectors or tape cords securely to the ground where necessary.

5. Install GFCI Outlets Outdoors

Did you know that all outdoor outlets should be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection? This safety feature helps prevent electrical shocks, especially in wet or snowy conditions. If your home’s outdoor outlets aren’t GFCI-protected, call Bowman Electric to schedule an upgrade before hanging your lights.

6. Protect Connections From Moisture

Keep all electrical connections off the ground and away from puddles or snow. Use weatherproof outlet covers and cord connectors to shield plugs and sockets from moisture. This simple step can help prevent shorts and electrical hazards.

7. Invest in Smart Plugs and Timers

Want to make managing your holiday lights easier and safer? Smart plugs and timers allow you to automate your lighting schedule, saving energy and eliminating the need to plug and unplug decorations manually. Many smart plugs even allow remote control from your smartphone!

8. Call a Professional for Complex Installations

Planning an elaborate display or working with high-wattage decorations? It might be time to call in the professionals. Bowman Electric can assist with installing additional circuits, outlets, or even a dedicated power source for your holiday lights, ensuring your display shines safely and reliably all season long.

Spread Cheer, Not Hazards

Holiday decorating should be a source of joy, not worry. By following these electrical safety tips, you can enjoy a festive and hazard-free season. And if you need any assistance, Bowman Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs. From safety inspections to outlet upgrades, we’ll make sure your home is ready to light up the holidays.

Ready to Decorate Safely? Contact Bowman Electric today to schedule a consultation or service. Let’s make this holiday season bright and safe for your family and home!

Holiday Light Electrical Safety: Brighten the Season Without the Risks

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating homes with beautiful light displays. While holiday lights can make your home look festive and inviting, they also come with potential electrical risks. At Bowman Electric, we want you to enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season. Here are some essential electrical safety tips to keep your holiday lights shining bright without worry.

1. Choose the Right Lights

Before you hang your holiday lights, make sure they are designed for their intended use:

• Outdoor lights: These are weather-resistant and suitable for exterior use.

• Indoor lights: They lack the same weatherproofing and should only be used indoors.

Look for lights with labels from recognized safety testing laboratories, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), to ensure they meet safety standards.

2. Inspect Before You Connect

Carefully inspect your lights, extension cords, and other decorations for:

• Frayed wires

• Broken or cracked sockets

• Loose connections

• Damaged lights can cause shocks or start a fire. Replace any faulty items before plugging them in.

3. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday lights and decorations can draw a lot of electricity, which can overload your home’s electrical circuits. To avoid this:

• Plug lights into multiple outlets to distribute the load.

• Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers for added safety.

• Check your home's electrical panel to ensure it can handle the extra load. If in doubt, consult a professional electrician.

4. Use LED Lights

Switching to LED holiday lights offers several benefits:

• They use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• They stay cooler, reducing the risk of overheating.

• They last longer, making them a cost-effective choice.

5. Practice Extension Cord Safety

Extension cords are a staple of holiday decorating, but they need to be used properly:

• Only use outdoor-rated cords for exterior lights.

• Keep cords away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards.

• Never run cords under rugs or through doorways, as this can cause overheating.

6. Protect Your Outdoor Connections

Outdoor lights and decorations need extra care to protect against the elements:

• Use weather-resistant electrical boxes and covers for connections.

• Elevate plugs off the ground to avoid water exposure.

• Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets for all outdoor decorations to protect against electrical shocks.

7. Set a Timer for Safety

Avoid leaving your lights on overnight or while you’re away from home. Use timers to automate on/off times, conserving energy and reducing fire risks.

8. Store Lights Properly

When the season is over, pack your lights carefully to ensure they are safe to use next year. Wrap them loosely to avoid kinks and store them in a cool, dry place.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

If you have concerns about your home’s electrical capacity or need to install outdoor outlets for your decorations, Bowman Electric is here to help. Our team can ensure your home is holiday-ready and safe for the season!

Enjoy the sparkle and magic of the holidays while keeping safety a top priority. From all of us at Bowman Electric, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season! If you need assistance with any electrical needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. 🎄✨