Manager’s Message – May 2023
Greetings,
Northern Wasco County PUD recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but our workers know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From PUD crews to our consumers, everyone has a part in prioritizing safety.
According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted due to electrical fires and accidents in their homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. But we know firsthand how hazardous electricity can be because we work with it daily.
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.
Frayed wires are a dangerous threat. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current flow. Replace damaged, frayed or cut power cords, as they could cause a shock when handled.
Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overloading 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 your home’s circuits. For homes more than 40
years old, contact a qualified electrician if you wish to install multiple large appliances
that use large amounts of electricity.
Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. It could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so risks overloading the cord and starting a fire. Rather than using extension cords as permanent solutions, contact a licensed electrician to install additional outlets.
Talk with your children about playing it safe around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.
Our priority is keeping power flowing to your home or business 24/7, 365 days a year. Equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity. Contact us for additional electrical safety tips or if you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or community event.
Best to all,
Manager Roger Kline
