In the early 1980s, there were about 18 deaths a year caused by hair dryers falling into bathtubs or sinks filled with water. Since 1991, hair dryer manufacturers have been required to include GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) on dryer cords. GFCIs cut off electricity to prevent serious shock. Thanks to these devices, the number of hair dryer related deaths has dropped to an average of two per year. Don’t let these statistics give you a false sense of security! Never use a hair dryer or other electric appliance near water, whether or not it has a GFCI.