Making Electrical Safety a Year-Round Commitment

May Message from Randall Pugh
President/CEO

Coming home to our families safe and sound is our goal each and every day. Electrical safety training is intense and rigorous because one mistake can cost a life. We work with electricity every day, and understand the dangers that come with it; and we encourage you to be aware of the dangers of electricity if you're working with or near electricity.

On average, more than 400 electrocutions occur each year, often resulting in serious injury and even death. Electricity is something everyone is accustomed to having, although many people don't realize how many things in our lives are powered by electricity. At Jackson EMC, we hold weekly and monthly safety meetings for all employees to ensure we practice safety around electricity at all times. We encourage you to keep safety first as well.

Call in the Experts

It's springtime, and many of us are gearing up to recapture our yards from the dull of winter. When trimming trees or working on landscaping around the home, be sure you know where the electric wires and equipment are located so that you can work safely around them. If you're unsure, call in the experts. An electrician or licensed contractor can help you plan your gardening, outdoor lighting features and any other landscape work you have in mind. If you're planning to dig, contact the Utilities Protection Center at 1-800-282-7411 to be sure the areas are clearly marked.

Also, be sure you plant far enough away from power lines so that your nice, new landscaping doesn't grow into power lines.

Work Safely Around the Home

Be sure to keep ladders, tree saws and even pool cleaning equipment parallel to the ground. Before you stand them up, look up to be sure you're clear of power lines. If you notice trees and other vegetation growing into power lines, contact your local district office immediately. Electricity can move through conductive material such as wood, water, metal, aluminum and plastics.

On the Inside

These are safety tips we've all heard before, but you can never be too careful when it comes to electrical safety. Share this information with your family to ensure you practice safety at all times.

Outlets in moist areas such as bathrooms or kitchens and outdoor outlets should have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) protection to reduce the chances of circuit overload or shock. Test your GFCIs often to be sure they're working properly.

Extension cords add a convenience when that hard-to-reach outlet is too far away from where we need it. Be sure to check your extension cords to be sure they are rated for the job and in the best condition - cut and frayed cords are a hazard and may cause injury.

The third prong on a three-prong plug is a grounding prong. Be sure you don't remove the grounding prong. An adapter allows you to safely use a two-prong outlet with a three-prong plug.

Year-Round Safety

Although May is electrical safety month, safety should be practiced year-round. Don't let a simple mistake cause you or a loved one a serious injury. If you're unsure about some electrical hazards, we're here to answer your questions. Call on us and we'll be sure to get you the information you need.

Randall Pugh
President/CEO

Questions?

Anytime you have questions, send them to P.O. Box 38, Jefferson, Ga. 30549, call (706) 367-5281 or e-mail rpugh@jacksonemc.com.