A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority- spring electrical inspections
The wintry mix of ice, snow and cold over the last couple of weeks seems to have finally given way to warmer days and a sense that spring conditions are rapidly approaching. Although March could still “go out like a lion” 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.
To help you do that, the Grand River Dam Authority passes along these important tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
· 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).
Again, these are just a few of the tips you should keep in mind as you do your indoor spring cleaning. For more electrical safety information, visit esfi.org.
Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. GRDA’s low-cost, reliable power touches 75 of 77 counties in the state and serves as an important economic development engine for Oklahoma. At no cost to Oklahoma taxpayers, GRDA also manages 70,000 surface acres of lakes in the state, including Grand Lake, Lake Hudson and the W.R. Holway Reservoir. Today, GRDA’s 500 employees continue to produce the same “power for progress” that has benefited the state for 75 years. The efforts of Team GRDA facilitate over $450 million in economic activity in Oklahoma annually.
A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority- spring electrical inspections
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