Safety Month

May is National Electrical Safety Month and Blue Ridge Energy is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to spearhead the annual effort to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.

“Extension cord misuse and overburdened electrical systems are two of the main causes of home electrical fires,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “It is important to be aware of these common and preventable hazards, as well as other safety measures you can take to ensure that your home is electrically safe.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year involve some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires result in 418 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage. Awareness and education are critical.

ESFI encourages the sharing of its campaign resources and developed The National Electrical Safety Month 2015 Electrical Safety Advocate Guide to provide the resources necessary to raise awareness of safe practices. Whether you want to educate a loved one or raise awareness in your community, school or workplace, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to be an Electrical Safety Advocate and help champion the cause of minimizing electrically-related deaths and injuries.

Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. For more information about electrical safety, visit our Resources section.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.esfi.org.