Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority Electrical safety and spring cleaning

Planning to do some spring cleaning in the coming weeks? If so, the Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind you that spring cleaning time is also a great time to perform some spring electrical safety inspections in the home. To assist you in that process, we are once again passing along these tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (esfi.org).

• 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.

• Although we may not be at this point just yet, 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 range 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.

• Before firing up those electrical trimmers, inspect them, and other appliances, for frayed cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items.

If recent warmer days have accelerated your spring “to-do” list, please keep these tips in mind. Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe.

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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