Press Release

PUC Reminds Residents of Electrocution Dangers During Electrical Safety Month by Adding Educational Resources

Published on 5/14/2013

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – In an effort to remind residents of electrical safety awareness and the importance of following electrical safety guidelines, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today introduced additional educational resources designed to help consumers eliminate electric hazards. 

“May is electrical safety month and this is a great opportunity to remind consumers to be safe with electricity, especially when lines are down or hanging low near ground,” said PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. in a video news release. “Consumers should not try to restore power themselves or take matters into their own hands, as well-intentioned as they may be, that’s when dangerous things can occur.”

Eliminating electrical hazards begins with education and awareness.  A focus on electrical safety, both at home and in the workplace, can prevent the hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and billions of dollars in economic losses that occur each year because of electrical hazards.  Power lines provide our homes and businesses with electricity to help us carry out our daily functions.  As detailed in the PUC’s new fact sheet on Power Line Safety, it is important to remember these lines contain live, high-voltage electricity, and any contact or proximity to these lines can result in injury or fatality.

The PUC also reminds consumers that portable generators can serve as a reliable source of electricity, however, if misused, portable generators can pose a serious health risk and have the potential to create a hazardous situation.  The PUC’s Portable Generator Safety fact sheet provides information on how to stay safe while using a generator.

Both fact sheets are now available at www.puc.pa.gov. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.  Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov