Safety starts with awareness

An MEC lineworker performs a live electrical safety demonstration
An MEC lineworker performs a live electrical safety demonstration.

Recognizing an electrical hazard and knowing how to respond safely is important at any age. For students, that may begin with learning to stay away from electrical equipment. For first responders, it means understanding the hazards they could face when arriving at an emergency.

This fall, McKenzie Electric Cooperative shared those lessons through live electrical safety demonstrations. Each event gave participants a chance to learn from MEC employees and ask questions about staying safe around electricity.

Oct. 1

Learning at Ag in the Classroom

MEC employees with students at Ag in the Classroom
MEC employees with students at Ag in the Classroom.

At Ag in the Classroom on Oct. 1, MEC helped students learn about electrical hazards they may encounter at home or around the farm.

The live demonstration showed why it’s important to keep a safe distance from power lines and electrical equipment. It also reinforced that electrical hazards may not always be obvious.

Seeing a demonstration can help students understand and remember a safety lesson. Ag in the Classroom gave MEC employees an opportunity to introduce those lessons early and encourage students to ask questions.

Oct. 13

Member Appreciation Open House

Young visitors in MEC hard hats and safety vests at the Member Appreciation Open House
Young visitors suit up at the Member Appreciation Open House.

Members had an opportunity to see live electrical safety demonstrations during MEC’s Member Appreciation Open House on Oct. 13.

The demonstrations offered a closer look at the risks around power lines and electrical equipment. Members could ask questions and talk with MEC employees about situations they may encounter.

Along with the day’s refreshments and activities, the demonstrations gave members something useful to take home: a better understanding of how to stay safe around electricity.

Oct. 14

Working with local first responders

An MEC lineworker talks with local police officers during First Responder Electrical Safety Night
An MEC lineworker talks with local officers during First Responder Electrical Safety Night.

MEC hosted First Responder Electrical Safety Night on Oct. 14 to discuss electrical hazards emergency personnel may face on a call.

The evening focused on situations involving downed power lines and contact with electrical equipment, along with the importance of coordinating with MEC crews during an emergency.

First responders may arrive before an electric crew. Understanding the electrical risks at a scene helps them protect themselves and the people they are there to assist. Training together also provides time to ask questions and discuss how we can work together when a call comes in.

Sharing what we know

Safety education is part of MEC’s work throughout the year. Demonstrations provide an opportunity to explain electrical hazards before someone encounters them and share information that could help prevent an injury.