From the Manager’s Desk: Prioritize Safety Year-Round
At Petit Jean Electric Cooperative, we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our employees to the members we serve, we recognize that everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of people are critically injured or electrocuted because of electrical fires and accidents in their homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity. It powers our daily lives. But we know firsthand how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year.
Safety is more than a catchphrase. Not only do we want to keep our employees safe, we also want to keep our community safe. That’s why you’ll see us hosting safety demonstrations at community events and in schools throughout the year. We also educate first responders and the public on what to do in vehicle accidents involving utility poles and downed power lines.
Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools and appliances, here are a few practical electrical safety tips:
Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when more electricity is drawn 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.
Our top priority is providing you with a reliable, uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity every day.
