Summer Water-Sport and Storm Safety Tips

 

NORTHERN VIRGINIA--Refreshing water makes summer fun, whether in swimming pools, outdoor spas, lakes, oceans, or even running through a sprinkler. But, water can be deadly when it mixes with household electricity or comes with summer storms and lightning. NOVEC recommends these summer electrical safety tips:

Avoid Water-Sport Electrical Hazards

        * Keep outlets near hot tubs, spas, and pools covered and dry. All electrical devices should be UL approved for outside use.  Newly available outlet covers keep plugs dry when they are inserted into outlets.

        * Keep cords and plugs away from hot tubs, spas, pools, and puddles, especially when wet bathers are nearby.

        * Never handle electrical items, plugs, or outlets when wet or standing in water.

        * If an electrical product falls into water, do not reach for it. Keep everyone away. Dry off immediately. Shut off the electric supply to the circuit before attempting to unplug the electrical product.

        * Do not clean swimming pools with long-handled nets near overhead power lines.

        * Outlets on or near hot tubs, spas, and pools should be protected by UL approved ground fault circuit interrupter devices. Upgrade older facilities that pre-date GFCIs, which were introduced in the 1970s, by adding GFCI protection to branch circuits that supply power to underwater lights and outlets that are within 20 feet of the pool, tub or spa.

Note:  In some cases, GFCIs may not prevent shock or electrocution. Follow all safety precautions.  All electrical work should be done in compliance with local building codes and performed by a qualified electrician.

Avoid Lightning Hazards

Lightning kills an average of 66 people each year in the United States and injures another 300, according to the National Weather Service. Follow these safety precautions during storms:

     * If you hear thunder, lightning may be close enough to strike you. Seek indoor shelter immediately. Do not seek shelter under trees, picnic shelters, or in open-frame vehicles.

     * If you cannot find shelter in a building or a closed-frame vehicle, squeeze your feet and knees together and squat on your feet away from water, high ground, or open spaces. Keeping feet and knees together helps prevent an electrical circuit traveling through you.

     * Do not plug in or unplug anything electrical during the storm.

     * Do not use corded telephones – phone use is the number one cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States.

     * Avoid contact with water, pipes, washers, or clothes dryers.

     * If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.  Start CPR if the victim’s heart has stopped and you are trained.  If not, cover the victim with a blanket. You cannot be harmed by touching the victim after he or she has been struck.

For more lightning safety information, visit the National Lightning Safety Institute at www.lightningsafety.com.

For more electrical safety information, visit www.novec.com and click on Safety under the “Residential” tab on the home page, or call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.

NOVEC is a not-for-profit corporation that distributes electricity and energy services to approximately 140,000 customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Clarke counties, and the City of Manassas Park, making it one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation.

Date Published: 2008-06-11 06:00:00

Section: Local Community Announcements, Photos: Novec,