Macon Electric Cooperative, in cooperation with Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, sponsored an electrical safety demonstration on Wednesday, October 26th for 9 - 12th grade students at Bevier school in the morning and Macon in the afternoon. The presentation was conducted by Steve Hancock, owner of Live Line Demo, Inc. Steve’s dynamic delivery style captivated the young audience and sent the students away with a much greater respect for electricity and the dangers associated with it.
The students were taught how to react quickly and safely in various emergency situations involving downed power lines. Hancock warned that if you are ever in an accident involving a power pole, you should assume electrical lines could be down and energized. The proper action is to stay inside the vehicle until the power company can de-energize the line. Stepping out of the car could create a path to ground and kill a person instantly. The only exception would be if the vehicle was on fire. In that case, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet together away from the vehicle, making sure you are NOT touching the vehicle with any part of your body when you land. Because electricity dissipates and the ground may be energized, you should hop with both feet together as you leave the area.
Hancock discussed the importance of installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for all receptacles used in the bathroom, kitchen, shed and outdoors (all places near water). He reminded participants to watch out for overhead power lines, keeping farm equipment, swimming pool cleaning tools, balloons, and other objects clear of electrical lines. He also reminded students about the dangers of texting while driving.
The Live Line Demo provides the students with a solid foundation for electrical safety knowledge and helps them to be aware of the dangers associated with power lines. Macon Electric Cooperative and Northeast Power are pleased to sponsor the Live Line Demonstration program for schools and community groups as well as fire, police, and rescue departments. For more information on live line or table top demonstrations call Macon Electric Cooperative at (660) 385-3157.