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Powering Safely During an Outage Max A. Meek, CEO and General Manager


One of the great things about the modern


American electric grid is power almost always flows when we need it. Given our dependence on electricity, it’s understandable why portable and standby generators are popular when the power goes out and stays out for a while. But generators can cause more harm than good


if not used properly. In honor of Electrical Safety Month, recognized each May, I want to give you a few safety tips to protect yourself and our linemen who are working to restore your power. Never, ever plug a portable generator directly


into one of your home’s outlets—unless you have had a licensed electrician install a transfer switch in your home. If you don’t have a transfer switch, power provided by the generator can back feed along power lines electrocuting a lineman working on those lines and cause overloads in your home. In addition, portable generators create carbon


monoxide—an odorless, colorless gas that can quickly become deadly if the generator isn’t exhausted outside. Attached garages with an open door don’t count—carbon monoxide can still seep indoors and poison inhabitants. Generators must go outside in a dry area, which might mean you’ll need to rig a canopy to protect it from precipitation at a safe distance from your home’s windows, doors, and vents. How far is a safe distance? Even 15 feet can be too close. Te important thing is to make sure there is fresh air-flow around the entire perimeter of the generator.


Other things to keep in mind:


☞ Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords.


☞ Don’t overload it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum load.


☞ Shut off the generator before refueling, or a fire could start—and it’s a good idea to have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.


An alternative to a portable generator is wiring a


standby generator directly into your home's electrical system. Transfer switches are the only safe way to connect a standby generator. Oklahoma Electric Cooperative approves two ways to connect a standby generator:


 Double pole/double throw transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician, or


 GenerLink, a device installed behind your meter that automatically disconnects your house from the power grid when it detects a generator. GenerLink can be purchased from Global Power Products at www.generlink.com or 1-800-886-3837. Contact OEC at 405-321-2024 for installation.


Safety is a top priority at OEC, for our


employees and members alike. In fact, our safety record at OEC is one of the best in the state. For more tips on how to stay safe during a power


outage, visit www.safetyathome.com and always stay weather aware.


News Magazine 3


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