Manager’s Message – May 2022
Prioritize Safety Year-Round
At Northern Wasco County PUD, we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our line crews to you, we recognize everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety.
According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable.
Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. But we know firsthand how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year.
To me, safety is more than a catchphrase. As the PUD’s manager, it is my responsibility to keep employees safe. Additionally, we want to help keep you and all members of our community safe.
Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices,
tools and appliances, I would like to pass along a few practical electrical safety tips.
- Replace frayed or cut power cords. Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them to avoid getting a shock when handled.
- Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle by having too many devices running on one circuit.
- Label circuit breakers to understand the circuits in your home. Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.
- Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.
- Talk with your children about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors. Our priority is to provide an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year.
But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity.
Manager Roger Kline
