Power for Progress…A weekly column from the Grand River Dam AuthorityRecognizing National Electric Safety Month …Stay safe in the pool and hot tub this summer

May is National Electric Safety Month and the Grand River Dam Authority is proud to join with organizations like the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to pass along important safety tips during the month.

In this first installment for the month, we wanted to revisit some tips related to pools and spas. With summer coming soon, many of us will soon be beating the heat with a cool swim or maybe watching a summer sunset from the comfort of a hot tub. If you are planning any of activities like this, please 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 the Grand River Dam Authority encourage you to always put safety first when it comes to electricity. For more helpful 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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