PECO has joined an award-winning coalition of electric utilities and educators from 18 states committed to promoting electrical safety among children, consumers and contractors. The coalition has grown from its founding in early 2001 to include more than 200 members.
Accidents and fires involving electricity result in more than a thousand deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year. Prevention of electricity-related tragedies is the goal of during this National Electrical Safety Month and PECO's safety outreach efforts all year-round.
John Boyle, PECO's safety manager, said protecting company employees is a top priority everyday, and PECO wants to share its information and resources with the public in hopes of preventing hazardous situations.
"We must have a healthy respect for electricity, and we are pleased to bring the valuable resources of Safe Electricity to our customers. Information and awareness create life-saving attitudes and actions,' said Boyle. "Our employees take responsibility each day for their own safety, working around electricity and natural gas. We hope this message during National Electrical Safety Month extends to families and contractors so they will take a more active role in staying safe."
Indoors, Boyle encourages every household to have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in any room where appliances can be used near water, such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and basement. Additionally, he advises, do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords, especially in home offices or entertainment areas, label the circuit breaker box or fuse box for easy reference when problems occur, use plastic caps on unused electrical outlets if there are young children at home, and be sure all electrical cords are in good condition.
Outdoors, stay away from a fallen power line; always stay at least 10 feet away from power lines when climbing or pruning a tree, painting, or working on the roof; never touch anything electrical when wet or standing in water; and always call 8-1-1 prior to digging so underground utilities are not hit during landscaping or other activities around the house.
For more electrical safety information, or information about the Safe Electricity program, visit www.SafeElectricty.org.
