Staying safe around electricity should be something we think about all year, but the month of May gives us a chance to really emphasize safety. May is designated by Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI) as National Electrical Safety Month. Electricity is the cause for almost 400 deaths annually and there are thousands of injuries related to electrical accidents at home as well as in the workplace.

How can you focus on safety this month? Take time to check the cords on your electric tools before cleaning out that garage or starting that outdoor project. If your landscaping projects require digging, call 755-UDIG (755-8344), a free service, to locate underground utilities. Two working days notice is required.

Spring is also a time when start seeing kinds playing outside with kites and balloons. Please remember that kits, balloons, and blustery winds are a dangerous combination when near power lines!

Kites should be flown away from television and radio antennae, as well as power lines. Make kites with dry string, paper, and wood. Don't use any metal! Also, the should be flown in dry weather only. Metal and wet string are excellent paths for electricity, and their contact with power lines can be fatal!

When balloons contact power lines, they short out conductors, causing power outages, voltage fluctuations, and electrical fires. Burning lines can fall and cause death or injury.

If a balloon or kite becomes entangled in a power line, immediately call Flathead Electric at 751-4483; never try to free it yourself.

Bottom line, take some time this May to check your home for unsafe conditions and talk about safety with your kids so you and your family can stay safe all year long.