May is National Electrical Safety Month: Connect to Safety with Dixie Electric

By Amanda Mills

May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time when electric cooperatives across the country join together to raise awareness about the importance of electrical safety. This year's theme is "Connect to Safety," which emphasizes the importance of staying connected to safe electrical practices in our homes, businesses, and communities.

As an electric cooperative, we take pride in our commitment to safety. We work hard to ensure that our infrastructure is safe and reliable, and we provide ongoing education and resources to help our members practice electrical safety in their daily lives. Here are some examples of how you can practice electrical safety around the home:

• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to protect you from electrical shock. They detect when there is a difference in the electrical current between the hot and neutral wires and shut off the power if necessary. You should have GFCIs installed in your kitchen, bathroom and outdoor areas where water is present.
• Check Electrical Cords: Electrical cords that are frayed or damaged can be a fire hazard. Check your cords regularly and replace them if they are damaged. Don't overload extension cords or use them in place of permanent wiring.
• Be Mindful of Electrical Appliances: Electrical appliances can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Always unplug appliances when you are not using them, and never touch them with wet hands or while standing in water. Keep them away from flammable materials, and never try to repair them yourself.
• Keep Electrical Outlets Safe: Make sure your electrical outlets are covered with safety caps to prevent children from sticking their fingers or objects in them. Don't overload outlets with too many plugs or use them to power high-wattage devices.
• Practice Safe Electrical Habits: Make sure you turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them to save energy and prevent fires. Always use the correct wattage light bulb for your fixtures, and never try to remove a light bulb that is stuck in the socket with your bare hands.

In addition to promoting electrical safety during National Electrical Safety Month, our cooperative offers ongoing resources and support to help our members stay safe around electricity. These resources include safety guides, educational materials, and even home energy audits to help identify potential hazards. By practicing these and other electrical safety habits, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from electrical accidents.

At Dixie Electric, we believe that electrical safety is everyone's responsibility. By working together to promote safety, we can create a safer and more resilient community for all. This May, let's all take the time to "Connect to Safety" and make electrical safety a priority in our lives. Contact your local electric cooperative for more information on how you can stay safe around electricity.