Ohio Edison Hosts Electrical Safety Demos for First Responders in Northcentral Ohio
With the upcoming winter storm season comes the potential for hidden electrical hazards caused by severe weather and vehicle accidents. That’s why Ohio Edison teamed with the Marion Township Fire Department and City of Marion to host live electrical safety demonstrations on Nov. 9, 10 and 11, for dozens of first responders and public works employees in the Marion area.
To show the dangers associated with electricity, first responders gathered in the parking lot of Ohio Edison’s Marion Service Center over the three days to watch utility personnel demonstrate the power of 7,200 volts of electricity using a mobile electrical safety exhibit. They created bright arcs by using an energized transformer to send electricity through various materials, including a car door and metal ladder to simulate what occurs when they contact a power line.
The demonstration highlighted the importance of staying far away from power lines and electrical equipment, including downed wires laying across roadways during severe weather or following a vehicle accident.
“Safety is a core value at FirstEnergy, and this event helps extend our focus on safety beyond our employees and into the communities we serve,” said Candace Webb, manager of public safety at FirstEnergy. “Our safety demonstration allows people of all ages and career backgrounds to see the dangers of electricity firsthand in a controlled environment, in hopes they retain the knowledge and share it with their colleagues, friends and family.”
Like FirstEnergy and its utilities, the Marion Township Fire Department and other local first responder organizations have a strong focus on safety to help keep the public safe while ensuring they make it home safely each night, said Marion Township Fire Chief Ben Meddles.
“The electrical safety demonstration was a highly visual and effective way to spotlight the potential electrical hazards local first responders could encounter in the field at any time, including a downed line on a vehicle after an accident or downed trees blocking their access on a road that could have lines hidden in the debris,” he said.
The company’s live electrical safety demonstration is part of its “Stop. Look. Live.” campaign to educate the public about staying safe around electricity and near power lines and equipment. The campaign kicked off last fall and features engaging and memorable initiatives to help protect groups that are most at-risk of encountering safety hazards, including first-responder organizations and contractors. The campaign also features an educational program for children.
To learn more about FirstEnergy's "Stop. Look. Live." campaign and review important tips to stay safe around electricity, please visit www.firstenergycorp.com/publicsafety.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis, (330) 203-8850