Electric safety tips for the fall season

With the fall season fully upon us and less daylight headed our way soon (remember to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night, November 6) we wanted to revisit some of the seasonal electricity-related safety tips that are so important this time of year. The Grand River Dam Authority encourages you to always be safe around electricity and hopes you will consider these tips from the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

• Before you fire up your cool weather tools like leaf blowers or snow blowers, make sure to check their power cords for any unusual wear or tear. Are they worn or frayed? Repair or replace those worn tools right away.

• Have some battery chargers that you do not intend to use until spring? Unplug them and store them in a safe place.

• Remember to use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. It is also important to protect these devices from moisture. If you know your electrical equipment has been wet, don’t use it. Make sure it is first inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.

• The leaves are going to be piling up soon. Make sure to keep those dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets, and power cords.

• Decorating for Halloween? Inspection each electrical item carefully and, if you plan to use them outdoors, make sure they are marked for outdoor use. Be sure to plug all outdoor decorations into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electric shock.

• For any fall or Halloween decorations remember dried flowers, cornstalks, hay, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these items away from open flames and other heat sources, including electric light bulbs and heaters.

Please keep these tips in mind when working outdoors or decorating this time of year. Your friends at GRDA hope you have a safe, and happy, fall season.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power 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: employees, electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, and efficiency.