Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority National Electric Safety Month …Always look up: Power line safety

This week we continue our focus on electric safety in recognition of May as National Electric Safety Month. The following safety tips from the Electric Safety Foundation International (esfi.org) are intended to help you stay safe around power lines. Whether you are around them on the job, at play or at any other times, it is important to know where the power lines are in your area. Always look up.

If a vehicle or object contacts a power line or utility pole:

• Consider all lines to be live and dangerous

• Tell others not to approach the vehicle, downed lines or anything that may be in contact with the downed lines.

• Warn others to stay at least 35 feet away.

• Stay in place or inside your vehicle unless you see fire or smoke.

• Call 911.

In the event of fire or smoke:

• Do not touch the ground and your vehicle at the same time.

• Jump from the vehicle with your feet together.

• Shuffle away and avoid lifting your feet.

Finally, avoid touching any objects a downed power line may be laying on such as a fence, a car, or a light pole as the object could be energized.

Your friends at GRDA want you to stay safe around electricity. Next week, we will continue to share important electric safety tips in this space. You can also learn more by visiting esfi.org. 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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