Electricity is all around us — whether starting your coffee maker in the morning or keeping your home bright at night, electricity is a familiar constant that we utilize every day. But like with most things we become comfortable with, there’s a tendency to become complacent.
May is National Electrical Safety Month and our Safety Director here at Poudre Valley REA, Hadley Lemburg, spotlights the importance of being safe and aware around both electricity in your home and electrical equipment you may see around your community. With 17 years of linework experience, Hadley can provide detailed hands-on explanations for what our equipment does and how to be safe around it.
As the Safety Director, Hadley’s main role is to ensure that employees, the public, and our first responders such as law enforcement and medical professionals, are aware of the hazards they may face when it comes to electricity. This includes training on what to do if you see an accident where a car has crashed into a power pole or green power box, how to be electricity safe when there is a house fire, and safety practices for digging to ensure you avoid underground power lines.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Hadley said. “You’re trying to better everybody’s life, and you want them to go home better than they came to work. They’ve got families to go home to and life to enjoy.”
Education is vital for keeping our community safe. As Hadley will say “See it, own it, do it.” That mantra drives us all to be aware of the hazards around us and help others stay safe. If you see our crews working, it’s okay to observe from a distance. Once it’s safe to do so, they’ll be happy to share what they’re working on and how they spotted the issue.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
At home, there are plenty of ways to be electricity safe — getting rid of frayed or damaged cords, avoiding overloading power outlets with multiple power strips, using correct lightbulb wattages for each device, and unplugging devices such as curling irons or others when they’re not in use.
If you see an accident involving electrical equipment, call 911 and keep others away from the accident. Tree limbs, a vehicle, and other debris may hide electrical hazards or be energized themselves, so it’s best to stay away until the power company or emergency services gives the all-clear.
If you’re in a vehicle that’s contacted a downed power line, stay in your vehicle unless there’s a fire. If you must exit the vehicle, cross your arms over your chest and make a solid jump out and away from the car with both feet together. Then hop away at least 50 feet or more while continuing to keep both feet together.
To learn more about electrical safety, schedule a safety demonstration, and more, visit www.pvrea.coop/electrical-safety.
Hadley Lemburg
PVREA Safety Director
