Power up safely
May 1, 2025
Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but if handled improperly, it can pose serious risks, including injuries and property damage. Electrical Safety Month in May serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards at home.
Palmetto Electric Cooperative understands the risks associated with improper electricity use and knows the importance of educating both our employees and our members. We want you to join us in staying vigilant and practicing electrical safety year-round. Here are five essential tips for powering up safely at home.
Be vigilant: Regularly inspect your electrical system for any signs of damage or outdated components and replace any frayed electrical wires or cords. Home fires often originate from extension cords, either from overloading, overheating or fraying. Instead of relying on extension cords as permanent power solutions, contact a qualified electrician to install additional outlets.
Use surge protectors: Safeguard your sensitive electronics and appliances with surge protectors. These handy devices help divert excess voltage away from your electronics, reducing the risk of damage. Not all power strips include surge protection, so read the label carefully. More information on Palmetto Electric’s Surge Guard program can be found at palmetto.coop.
Practice safe power strip use: Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity. High-energy devices, such as heaters, microwaves, and hairdryers, should be distributed across multiple outlets. Overloading an outlet with a “busy” power strip can lead to overheating and create a fire hazard, so check the power strip’s wattage rating before plugging in items.
Water and electricity don’t mix: Always keep electrical appliances and devices away from water sources, including sinks, bathtubs or swimming pools. Make sure your hands are dry before touching any electrical switches or appliances. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed in areas where water and electricity are typically in close proximity, including kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.
Share the message of safety: One of the best ways to ensure safety in your household is to talk about electrical safety. Teach children not to play with electrical outlets or appliances, and ensure they understand the potential dangers of electricity. Practicing electrical safety at home is essential for protecting your family, property and peace of mind. Consistently taking these steps can help ensure a safer, more secure home for you and your loved ones.
At Palmetto Electric, safety is a core value that we don’t take lightly. Just last year, our participation in the Rural Electrical Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) earned us high marks, showing our strong commitment to safety. We also continue to teach safety awareness to our members through presentations, Safety Days summer camps and our online component, Virtual Safety Days.
By following key safety practices both at work and at home, we can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure our employees, members and families stay protected.
A. Berl Davis Jr.
President and CEO