Dangers are present when water comes in contact with electricity, especially during the summer when you may be enjoying outdoor activities. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid the hazards and potentially serious injuries that may be posed by the combination of water and electricity:

• Keep cords and electrical devices away from pools. Never handle electrical items when you are wet. Do not allow power cord connections to become wet.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.
• Use outlet covers on outdoor receptacles near swimming pools.
• Electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Replace those that have been submerged.
• Indoors, outlets or electrical cords that have become submerged due to flooding may be energizing the water, a potential lethal trap.
• If a switch or an appliance has become wet or submerged, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance.
• When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock.
• Dangers such as power lines in contact with water can pose electrical hazards. Summer is the season for swimming and boating. Sailboats often have masts of 30 feet or more, which are dangerous when they come into contact with overhead power lines. Staying at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines can help prevent lethal electrical hazards.