AKRON, Ohio – As National Electrical Safety Month coincides with the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is emphasizing the importance of electrical safety. The company encourages the public to be mindful of potential electrical hazards during outdoor activities to ensure a safe and uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the summer season.
Chad Stoneking, Director of Safety Operations at FirstEnergy, stressed the need for safety awareness during summertime festivities. "Summer is a time for celebrations and having fun outdoors. But as we do so, we need to be sure that we are putting safety first to protect ourselves, our property and the electric grid," he said. He added that being aware of one's surroundings and making responsible decisions can help prevent disruptions to electric service when many people rely on air conditioning.
The Electrical Safety Foundation organizes National Electrical Safety Month to underscore the significance of electrical safety in all seasons. Early summer often sees an increase in graduation parties, weddings and holiday celebrations like Memorial Day and Independence Day. These events frequently involve items such as foil balloons and fireworks that can pose risks to the electric grid if used near power lines or electrical equipment.
Foil balloons have become increasingly popular but their metallic coating conducts electricity, leading to power outages when they drift into power lines or electrical equipment. In recent months, foil balloons were responsible for more than 35 power outages across FirstEnergy’s six-state service area.
FirstEnergy advises customers to securely tie helium-filled foil balloons to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Once no longer in use, these balloons should be punctured and deflated as they can stay inflated for several weeks if not properly disposed of.
In addition, FirstEnergy urges customers to leave large fireworks displays to professionals. Fireworks should only be lit in open areas where no power lines are visible. If a firework accidentally comes into contact with a power line or equipment, it should be left alone and the incident reported immediately by calling 911.
FirstEnergy has also provided additional outdoor safety tips to ensure holidays and celebrations are enjoyed responsibly. These include not flying kites, motorized airplanes or drones near power lines; keeping electrical devices and cords at least 10-feet away from water sources; covering all outdoor receptacles to keep them dry; ensuring boats clear overhead power lines when being hauled; and avoiding climbing trees near or into overhead lines or near a utility pole.
The public can learn more about drone safety by visiting FirstEnergy’s Drone Safety Zone, an innovative video game that teaches current rules and best practices for drone operators. More information about FirstEnergy’s “Stop. Look. Live.” safety campaign can be found at www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety.
FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.