Wake Forest, NC- Improper electricity use and electrical problems caused nearly 45,000 home fires resulting in 470 deaths, 1,500 injuries and $1.6 billion in property damage in 2009, according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association. Additionally, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 400 people in the United States are electrocuted each year.
To recognize the importance of electrical safety, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, including Wake Electric, in accordance with Gov. Beverly Perdue’s official proclamation, are observing May as Electrical Safety Month.
With electrical safety education and awareness, the numbers of lost lives, injuries and lost money can be drastically 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 Suzanne Ward, public relations and communications specialist. “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.”
Wake Electric is a non-profit electric utility serving over 35,000 members in parts of Franklin, Durham, Granville, Johnston, Vance, Nash, and Wake counties. Please contact us if you have any electric safety concerns. Do not take chances when it comes to electrical safety. Visit www.wemc.com for more information.
####