Lombard Fire Department issued the following announcement on May 2.
May is National Electrical Safety Month and the Lombard Fire Department is joining with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to launch its annual effort to help reduce electrically-related fatalities, injuries, and property loss.
This year’s campaign theme is "Understanding the Code that Keeps us Safe," which features resources to help protect against common electrical hazards and highlights the importance of the National Electrical Code.
Each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns from sticking items into the slots of electrical receptacles. Additionally, an estimated annual average of 70 electrocution fatalities are associated with consumer products. Further, there are reported cases of electric shock drowning that occur in marinas and swimming pools each year. Electric shock drowning can occur when faulty wiring sends an electrical current into the water.
“The Lombard Fire Department is committed to educating the public about the important upgrades that can help prevent shock and electrocution,” said Lombard Fire Marshal Jerry Howell. “This year’s resources focus on common hazards including overhead powerline safety and lesser-known dangers such as electric shock drowning. It’s important to never swim near a marina, dock or boatyard or near a boat while it’s running, and to ALWAYS obey no swimming signs on docks.”
Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. For ESFI’s complete collection of National Electrical Safety Month resources and for information on using them in your community, visit www.esfi.org.
For more information contact Fire Marshal Howell at howellj@villageoflombard.org.
Original source can be found here.
SOURCE: Village of Lombard
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