Students at Crouse Community Learning Center in Akron recently gained valuable knowledge on electrical safety, thanks to FirstEnergy’s Live Wire Electrical Safety School Program. The program, featuring Louie the Lightning Bug, marked its 40th anniversary by visiting the school on October 30.
The event was part of a safety initiative where two fourth-grade classes earned the live demonstration by participating in a poster contest sponsored by FirstEnergy. Using PowerTOWN, a new educational tool equipped with electrified props and power lines, FirstEnergy employees demonstrated various electrical hazards.
“The program was developed to teach students about the dangers associated with electricity and how to keep themselves and their families safe,” said Luanne Snyder from FirstEnergy’s Customer Accounts and Safety teams.
James Chandler conducted demonstrations showing what happens when everyday items like ladders or kites come into contact with energized equipment. Students were visibly engaged as they witnessed electricity arcing during the presentation.
The session concluded with students receiving safety-themed items such as hard hats and workbooks. One class celebrated further by sharing cupcakes with Louie for designing a winning safety poster that highlighted keeping kites away from power lines.
Amanda Ruda, whose class created the poster, noted her students’ increased confidence in handling electrical situations after recent storms affected northeast Ohio. “My kids really enjoyed today’s presentation, and they learned how to stay safe,” she said.
For more information on FirstEnergy’s commitment to public safety, visit their Public Safety page.
