Having Friends Over for the Winter Games or a Big Game Watch Party?

Your watch party electrical safety checklist

Big event nights are the perfect excuse to gather friends and family, turn up the snacks, and cheer on your favorites. But when you add extra lights, extra devices and extra people in one place, it’s also a good time to make sure your home setup is safe.

Use this quick watch-party checklist to help prevent electrical fires, shocks, and outages — so the only surprises are on the scoreboard.

Before guests arrive: a 10-minute safety sweep

1) Avoid outlet overload
Watch parties often mean TVs, streaming boxes, speakers, lamps, phone chargers, and maybe a slow cooker or air fryer—all running at once.

• Spread devices across multiple outlets/rooms when you can.
• If you notice flickering lights, warm outlets, or frequent breaker trips, that’s a warning sign. Unplug nonessential items and consider having a qualified electrician check the circuit.

2) Power strips: yes, “Daisy chains”: no
A surge protector or power strip can help only if used correctly.

• Plug only one power strip directly into a wall outlet.
• Do not plug a power strip into another power strip or extension cord in a “daisy chain.”
• Make sure cords are in good shape (no cracks, fraying, or loose sockets).

3) Extension cords are temporary—use the right kind and use them right
If a cord is needed to reach seating areas or a TV, choose safety over convenience.

• Use a cord that’s rated for the job (check the tag).
• Keep cords visible and out of walkways to prevent trips and cord damage.
• Never run cords under rugs or through doorways.

4) Keep cords away from heat and moisture
Winter watch parties can involve hazards from space heaters, fireplaces, cooking appliances, crowded entryways and wet boots by the door.

• Keep cords away from heaters and other heat sources.
• Keep plug connections dry, especially near kitchen counters, beverage stations and doors where snow/rain might get tracked in.

5) Space heater “warm-up” rules
If you’re warming up a room for guests, space heaters can be tempting.

• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn (blankets, curtains, furniture).
• Plug the heater directly into the wall (no power strips or extension cords).
• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.

6) Keep drinks away from cords and outlets
Spills happen, especially during big moments.

• Set drinks on stable surfaces away from electronics.
• If something spills onto a power strip or outlet, do not touch it if there’s standing liquid. Turn off power at the breaker if you can do so safely and call for help.

7) Kitchen MVPs
Party food often means multiple heat-producing appliances running at once.

• Use one heat-producing appliance per outlet when possible.
• Keep appliances away from the edge of counters and away from sinks.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.

After the party: quick shutdown checklist

• Turn off and unplug extra devices, chargers and appliances.
• Coil and store extension cords — don’t leave them “temporarily” set up for weeks.
• If you used a space heater, verify it’s turned off and unplugged.
• Do a quick look for any damaged cords or loose plugs.

Make your watch party a win. You’ll earn the gold medal with a few simple choices that go a long way toward preventing fires and injuries.

Author:
Erin Hollinshead
Executive Director of Safe Electricity