| Safety |
Nationwide Electrical Safety Month observed annually in May
May is National Electrical Safety Month, a good time to look around your home and check for electrical safety hazards.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 140,000 electrical home fires occur each year, claiming more than 500 lives, injuring more than 5,300 people and causing nearly $1.6 billion in property damage. Statistics also show that some 180 people are electrocuted in their homes each year and 300 on the job.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International sponsors Electrical Safety Month each year to raise awareness about electrical safety.
Simple steps like replacing old, worn or frayed electrical cords and
extension cords can help reduce the dangers from electricity in your
home or shop. Check your power tools that may have been stored for the
winter to make sure they’re in good condition. Be careful of overhead
power lines when carrying ladders, and avoid buried power lines around
your property when you start your spring gardening.
Here are some more simple tips that will help keep you and your family safe:
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Check electrical outlets to make sure they aren't overloaded.
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Test smoke detectors monthly and replace their batteries twice a year.
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Make sure to use only the proper wattage light bulbs in light fixtures and lamps.
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Use extension cords only on a temporary basis and make sure the rating on the cord is the same as or higher than the number of watts needed by the product that will be plugged into the cord.
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Never alter the polarized blade (the wide prong) to make a polarized plug fit into a non-polarized outlet.
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Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible by children.
For more information on electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org.
2005
March
Roundup For Safety
Report
Applications Received
& Approved:
Crimestoppers
Airtime $10,000.00
ALERT Helicopter
Wire strike protectors and helmet harnesses $9,540.54
Safe Kids
Car seats $2,499.50
Bad Rock Volunteer
Fire Department
Fire Shelters $3,740.00
DREAM
Training $1,106.00
2 Applications
Denied
1 Application
Pending
Roundup For Safety is a voluntary program for FEC members. Participating members allow their electric bill to be rounded up to the next dollar, with the extra money going into a fund for community safety projects.
Applications from non-profit groups are considered each month by a board of directors representing each Co-op district.
For information and application forms, call 751-4483 in Kalispell and 293-7122 in Libby.
Updated:Wednesday, May 18, 2005