General Manager & CEO Chris Tackmann
At Oakdale Electric Cooperative (OEC), we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, however, we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our crews to you, we recognize that everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. We also know how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year.
Safety means much more than just a slogan to me. As General Manager & CEO, it’s my duty to protect co-op employees, as well as to help ensure the safety of our members and local community. That’s why OEC regularly holds safety demonstrations at community events and schools, showing the risks associated with electricity. We cover emergency situations, such as how to respond if your car hits a utility pole or encounters downed power lines, and we warn students about hazards like transformers and circuit overloads from too many devices. To learn more, please visit our website.
Electricity is an integral part of our lives. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools, and appliances, I’d like to pass along a few practical electrical safety tips.
Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use, or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled.
Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle––by having too many devices running on one circuit.
Label circuit breakers to understand the circuits in your home. Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity.
Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.
We focus on delivering reliable energy every day of the year while ensuring electrical safety for our community. Contact us for safety tips or to schedule a demonstration at your school or community event.