Outdoor electric safety

By Bill Streb Owner, Streb Electric

With the weather finally turning summery, I hope homeowners think about the state of their exterior electricity before firing up the edgers or trimmers.

First, it’s important to make sure all of your outlets are GFI, or ground fault interrupter, protected. This prevents you from getting an electrical shock, especially if there’s any water around.

We can replace those outlets if you don’t have them, and also install exterior outlets if you are without them. You shouldn’t be running electricity from the indoors out through a window or door with extension cords. I recommend having at least one outlet in the front of the house and one in the back.

Also, make sure your extension cords are in good condition, with no fraying or broken plug or prongs.

Lastly, I don’t know if our customers know it, but my son Ryan, who is now our service manager, served eight years in the Army as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Specialist. He lost three friends overseas in the line of duty.

For Ryan and our family and staff, Memorial Day serves as a somber remembrance of those who are no longer with us.

We decided to commemorate it by sponsoring Memorial Day flags for the gravesites of all the fallen EOD specialists in the state of Ohio. We’ll be placing the flags ourselves here in Cleveland and orchestrating the placement throughout the rest of the state.

Ryan is back home now, and has started a family, but he, and we, will never forget the fallen. Happy Memorial Day.

Streb Electric is headquartered in Eastlake. For the past 40 years, the family-operated service company has earned a reputation for making sure homes are safe and free from electrical hazards. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com for more information.