May is Electrical Safety Month

LENOIR, N.C., May 5, 2010 – Each year, improper electricity use and electrical problems cause nearly 55,000 home fires, kill nearly 400 people and injure thousands others, according to the United States Fire Administration.

To recognize the importance of electrical safety, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, in accordance with Gov. Beverly Perdue’s official proclamation, are observing May as Electrical Safety Month.

Electricity is a necessary resource North Carolinians depend on daily. Electricity is such a familiar part of daily life that it is often not treated with enough caution. Electrical home fires cause over $995 million in direct losses, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

With electrical safety education and awareness, the numbers of lost lives, injuries and lost money can be dramatically reduced. Most deaths and injuries from electricity can be avoided. Understanding the benefits and dangers of electricity can help prevent potential hazards in homes, schools and workplaces.

For more than 70 years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have provided safe, reliable and affordable electricity to rural parts of the state. Electric cooperatives continue to make the safety of their members and employees a top priority.

“Recognizing May as Electrical Safety Month has given the electric cooperatives an opportunity to concentrate on the pertinent issue of safe electricity use in North Carolina,” said Ronnie Jewell, safety and training manager for Blue Ridge Electric. “May is a perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with some basics, like reading safety instructions on electrical appliances and products, paying attention to safety markings on electrical equipment and checking power cords to see if they are in proper working condition,” Jewell added.

Blue Ridge Electric provides electricity to 73,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Avery and Alexander counties.