May is National Electrical Safety Month (5/8/07)

Sturgeon Bay Utilities is teaming with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and other utilities around the country in celebrating May as National Electrical Safety Month. According to statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical-related fires and accidental electrocutions in the home claim the lives of nearly three people nationwide each day. Another 7,000 individuals are injured annually in electrical accidents causing millions of dollars in property damage.

“It is important that we educate our customers on the importance of treating electricity with the respect that it deserves in our homes, at our workplaces and within our communities”, states Jason Bieri, Electric Supervisor. “Being aware of the many potential electrical hazards that we encounter every day can dramatically reduce our chances of becoming a statistic.”

Sturgeon Bay Utilities and ESFI offer the following basic safety tips:

• Have a qualified, licensed electrician inspect your outlets and overall electrical system.


• Put safety covers on all unused outlets to protect children.


• If an outlet or switch wall plate is hot or discolored by heat, shut off the circuit and have it professionally checked immediately.


• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis.


• Do not place power cords and extension cords in high-traffic areas or under carpets, rugs or furniture.


• Never nail or staple power or extension cords to the wall.


• Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-prong outlet.


• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use — indoor or outdoor — and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or tool being used.

If you would like read more on electrical safety click here.

“While National Electrical Safety Month provides the opportunity to survey the familiar surroundings of our homes and workplaces, our customers are encouraged to be on the lookout for any unsafe conditions in the community as well”, states David English, Operations Manager. “Downed power lines as a result of severe storms or vehicle accidents can pose a significant threat of danger to those who come into contact with them. It is best to assume that all lines are energized and to call Sturgeon Bay Utilities immediately so that these lines can be safely secured by our qualified staff”, said English.

For more information about National Electrical Safety Month and ESFI, Visit their website at electrical-safety.org.

For questions pertaining to the services provided by Sturgeon Bay Utilities, please contact customer service at (920) 746-2820.