Power for Progress Week of March 14, 2022

Springing Into Electric Safety
Planning some spring cleaning soon? If so, it may also be a good time for some electric safety inspections. This week, GRDA offers a few tips that could be helpful to you.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Spring cleaning and electrical safety

Although March could still “go out like a lion” with more winter weather, many of us are already preparing for better weather days by getting a jumpstart on spring cleaning.

However, as you do those projects around the home to clear away the winter clutter from your kitchen, laundry room or utility closet, it is also a good time to do perform some springtime electric safety inspections. If you are planning that, the Grand River Dam Authority offers the following tips that can help to keep you safe.

• The label inside the door or cover of your electric service panel should have a date to let you know when your electric system was last inspected. Is it time to inspect it again? Contact a licensed, qualified electrician and schedule an inspection.
  
  
• Once you are finished with your furnace for the season, consider having it inspected by a licensed, qualified professional.
  
  
• Check for excessive vibration or movement when the washing machine or dryer is operating. That movement can put stress on electrical connections.
  
  
• Make sure the area around the dryer is free of clutter and clean the dryer lint filter after each load.
  
  
• Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the ranger or toaster. Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.
  
  
• Vacuum refrigerator coils to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce efficiency and create a fire hazard.
  
  
• Located all appliances away from the sink. Plug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
  
  

Keep these tips in mind as you do your spring cleaning and home electric inspections.

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: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.