Prioritize Safety Year Round

(left to right) Mitchell Barnum and Jennifer Boeck present PEC’s Safety Roadshow to Stratford fourth graders.

At People's Electric Cooperative (PEC), we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our co-op crews to you, the members we serve, we recognize that everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical   res and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. But we know first-hand how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year.

Safety is more than a catchphrase. We want to help keep you and all members of our community safe. That’s why you’ll see PEC offering safety demonstrations via our ‘Safety Roadshow’ in schools throughout the year, to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. We discuss emergency scenarios, such as what to do in a car accident involving a utility pole and downed power lines. We caution students on the dangers of pad-mounted transformers and overloading circuits with too many electronic devices.

Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools, and appliances, we’d like to pass along a few practical electrical safety tips.

Frayed Wires Pose a Serious Safety Hazard

Power cords can become damaged or frayed from
age, heavy use, or excessive current   ow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled. Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle––by having too
many devices running on one circuit.

Label Circuit Breakers to Understand the Circuits In Your Home

Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old, and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.

Use Extension Cords Properly

Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.

We encourage you to talk with your kids about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors. Our top priority is providing a reliable energy supply year-round. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity.

Contact PEC for additional electrical safety tips or find additional electrical safety information on our website.