September is National Preparedness Month
(CITY, State) — Televised reports of natural disasters where wind is involved frequently display electrical arcs from power lines and damaged transformers. While spectacular in nature, they also illustrate the potential electrocution danger associated with natural disasters. Winds and other forces of nature can tear apart the electrical grid, increasing the danger for both the public and utility workers.
When Hurricane Hugo struck Puerto Rico in 1989 all nine fatalities were from electrocution, and four persons who lost their lives were working to restore power after the storm. Three others died when they touched energized power lines. In 2001, Cuba turned off its electrical grid to reduce the potential for electrocution from Hurricane Michelle. Hurricane Isabel’s strike against North America in 2003 was blamed for the deaths of three utility workers who were removing lines from tree branches.
“Power lines can be dangerous for anyone, even professionals,” says Molly Hall, Safe Electricity Executive Director. “It is important for everyone to understand the dangers of electricity, and that’s the spirit of educating yourself and your loved ones during National Preparedness Month in September,” says Hall.
Safe Electricity initiated “Teach Learn Care TLC,” an electrical safety awareness campaign to encourage everyone to “Teach what you know. Learn what you need to and Care enough to share it with those you love.”
“TLC is the fabric of preparedness,” says Hall. “Whether you are facing a natural or man-made disaster, remember TLC to ensure that children and other loved ones know about electrical hazards that can be left in its wake.”
Important safety measures include:
- Treat all power lines as energized until there is certainty that power has been disconnected. Whether it is a hurricane, flood, tornado, or earthquake, stay clear of fallen power lines and flooded areas that could hide a hazard. Remember, electricity passes easily through water.
- Never step into a flooded area in your home, such as the basement, where water could be in contact with outlets or appliances that are plugged in.
- If you are using a portable generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is OFF and locked out prior to starting the generator. This will prevent power lines from back-feeding electricity into the utility system and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
Turning off the main electrical switch in your home is also recommended for victims of earthquakes. When the 1995 Kobe earthquake struck in Japan and 75,000 buildings were damaged, tens of thousands of people were too afraid to return to their homes in fear of electrocution. Turning off the power will prevent the risk of fire and electrocution after an earthquake. All members of the family should know the location of the electrical panel in the home and how to turn off the main breaker.
During earthquakes the most serious threats of fire, explosion or electrocution come from water heaters that overturn or experience damage to plumbing or electrical wires. If you are outdoors during an earthquake, try to move to an open area free of debris, buildings or trees. It’s also highly recommended that you stay away from power lines, since these may come down during an earthquake, putting you at risk for electrocution.
Tornados are also notorious for making power lines unstable, causing them to sag or come down. Half of the injuries from a tornado in the Southern Illinois community of Marion occurred during the rescue and cleanup process, such as electric shocks from power lines and electrical systems.
Make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a disaster. To learn more about preparedness, including supplies to have on hand for an emergency and how to weather a prolonged power outage when it’s hot or cold outside, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.
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