With the possibility of freezing rain, sleet and ice creeping into the forecast for the coming week, the Grand River Dam Authority wants to again pass along some winter weather safety tips.  Though these have been shared in winters past, a new year and a new season is a good time to review this information: 

• If winter storms do bring down power lines remember: always assume that fallen power line is energized. If you see a downed line, move away from it and anything touching it, by shuffling your feet with small steps.
• Remember, a power line does not need to be sparking or arcing to be energized, even if it is sagging close to the ground. Stay away.
• Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.
• If your car comes in contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn for help, but direct others to stay away from your car.
• Contact your utility company immediately to report a downed power line outside your home.
• Never touch a person who is in contact with a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.
• Never attempt to move a downed power line with another object. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth that are slightly wet can conduct electricity. Stay way.

While Team GRDA certainly hopes the winter season causes no damage to anyone’s electricity system, we do want you to stay safe and aware of these potential dangers. And for more electric safety tips, visitesfi.org.

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency. 

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