Power for Progress …A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority National Electric Safety Month …Safety tips for pools and spas

Each year, the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org) recognizes May as National Electric Safety Month and uses the opportunity to promote safe electricity practices nationwide. The Grand River Dam Authority is proud to join in this effort by also sharing important electric safety tips and reminders in this space.

This week, the focus is on safety tips related to pools and spas. After all, summer is just around the corner, and it will not be long before many of us are trying to beat the heat by relaxing with a cool swim or perhaps enjoying the summer sunset from the comfort of the spa. If any of this is in your plans, keep these tips in mind:

·     All outdoor receptacles should be covered to keep them dry. This is especially important around pools and spas.

·     Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) can help prevent electrocutions and electric shock injuries from outside receptacles. There are portable GFCIs that require no tools to install and are available for approximately $12 to $30, depending on the model.

·     Make sure all electrical equipment used for swimming pools (even the equipment you use to clean the pool) is grounded.

·     Keep electrical devices and cord at least 10 feet away from water sources such as pools and spas. Whenever possible, use battery operated electrical devices outside.

·     Never handle electric devices when you are wet, either from water activities or from perspiration.

·     Make sure there are no power lines over your swimming pool.

·     Do not swim during a thunderstorm.

·     Finally, to avoid electric shock, make sure you have an electrician inspect and upgrade your pool, spa, or hot tub in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electric Code.

Your friends at GRDA want you to have a safe, enjoyable summer. For more electrical safety tips, visit esfi.org.

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.

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