May is North Carolina Electrical Safety Month
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Lenoir, North Carolina (April 30, 2008) — Electricity is a resource of immeasurable value. From the toaster we use in the morning to the light we read by at night, it permeates our daily life. Although the demand is higher than ever, its value has remained constant. However, while electricity allows us to live productive lives, it is still a delicate resource and must be handled and approached with care. The misuse of electricity can lead to dangerous and even deadly consequences.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electricity kills 400 people annually and causes more than 140,000 fires per year. In the workplace alone, more than 300 fatalities and 4,000 injuries occur each year from electrical dangers.
To help reduce electric safety casualties and injuries, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, including Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, are observing May as “North Carolina’s Electrical Safety Month.” Throughout the month, the state’s electric cooperatives will offer a variety of electric safety information to educate people of all ages about the dangers of electricity and provide them with resources and information on how to practice electrical safety year-round.
“Proclaiming May as North Carolina Electrical Safety month has given the electric cooperatives the unique opportunity to focus on the serious issue of electrical safety in North Carolina,” said Renee Whitener, director of public relations. “May is a perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with safety basics, such as 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 safe condition to use in our homes, offices and outdoor areas.”
“We also have an entire safety tips area on our web site at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com,” she added. “Look for Safety under the “In the Community” tab. This resource is informative and fun for both kids and adults and we encourage everyone to check it out during Electrical Safety Month this May.”
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people in 93 of 100 counties, primarily in rural parts of the state. The electric cooperatives own and maintain 95,000 miles of power lines, by far the most of any electric utility in North Carolina. Blue Ridge Electric services some 73,000 member-owners in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Alexander, Avery and Wilkes counties.
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