Electricity. It’s something I use every day, practically all day long without giving it much thought. I wake up and turn on the lights. At the office, I’m either on the phone or computer for hours on end. Then at the end of the day, my wife and I gather around the television to watch our favorite shows. Electricity is something we take for granted until the power goes out or something goes wrong. Even though we use it all day long, electricity can be very dangerous. That’s why Tennessee’s electric cooperatives take the entire month of May to celebrate and advocate for Electrical Safety Month.
Unless you have tiny fingers attached to very busy, little feet running around your home, you likely haven’t given much thought to electrical safety after removing those outlet covers. Awareness for electrical safety shouldn’t stop, though, in the home once our kids are old enough to know not put anything in outlets.
The next time you cross paths with one of our crews, take the time to share these electrical safety tips with the soon to be driver in your car or even to spark up conversation between a co-worker or loved one.
Slow down. Whether our lineworkers are restoring power after a storm or performing routine maintenance, keep in mind that you are entering someone’s workspace. If you do so at a fast speed, you could be putting a life in danger — a life that is making sure you have what you need to go about your life as normal.
Move over. All routine work has the potential to be dangerous, meaning it requires the full attention of our crew. Everyone is responsible for the team’s safety, and distractions can have deadly consequences. Putting distance between your vehicle and the crew can keep everyone involved safe.
Happy Electrical Safety Month from Tennessee’s electric cooperatives. We hope you will help us in advocating for the safety not only for our crews but also for the ones you love.
