News | previous page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2005
CONTACT: Robert Miller, Energy Safety Association of South Dakota, phone (605) 224 6311; or Patricia Van Gerpen, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, phone (605) 773 3201

PUC and ESA Declare
Electrical Safety Awareness Week

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Safety Association of South Dakota have designated the week of June 19-25 as Electrical Safety Awareness Week. 

 The commission and association are emphasizing the Electrical Safety Top Five in this year's campaign which coincides with the official start of the summer season:

5. Teach your kids not to climb fences or trees that are close to power lines.
4. Add child protection covers to all your outdoor and indoor electrical outlets.
3. Always call before you dig.
2. Never put a ladder near a power line.
1. If a power line is down, stay away.

 "These are some simple rules that will help make every South Dakotan's summer safer," PUC Chairman Gary Hanson said. "It is important that parents make electrical safety a priority, especially since school is out and kids are spending more time in the backyard and near these potential dangers."

 "We encourage parents to talk with their kids about electrical safety and review our Top Five list with everyone in the family," PUC Vice Chairman Bob Sahr said. "Adults need to be aware of these tips too, especially when doing summer outdoor projects. It's easy to get caught up in a task and forget the risk associated with power lines."

 "Always be aware of the location of power lines," PUC Commissioner Dusty Johnson said. "Be especially careful when working near power lines attached to your house. Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines. The purpose of this campaign is to remind us all of these dangers and prevent electrical accidents."

 The Electrical Safety Top Five can also be found online at www.puc.sd.gov.

- 30 -