| |
| DATE:
|
5/17/2016 7:00:00 PM |
| SUBJECT: |
| A Proclamation Designating May as Electrical Safety Month. |
| BACKGROUND: |
May is National Electrical Safety Month and the City of Gillette is joining with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) in spearheading its annual effort to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety. This year’s campaign features the launch of the third edition of its National Electrical Safety Month publication, Electrical Safety Illustrated. The issue is titled “At Home and at Work: Make Electrical Safety Everyone’s Priority” and informs readers about the common electrical hazards present at home and in the workplace.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments each year involve some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires result in 418 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Awareness and education are critical to reduce the incidence of electrical fires, and ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to educate the public in order to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss.
"Extension cord misuse and overburdened electrical systems are two of the main causes of home electrical fires,” said Mick Wolf, Electrical Services Superintendent. “It is important to be aware of these common and preventable hazards as well as other safety measures you can take to ensure that your home is electrically safe."
Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. |
| SUGGESTED MOTION: |
| Now, therefore, I, Louise Carter-King, Mayor of the City of Gillette, do hereby proclaim the month of May as Electrical Safety Month and encourage all citizens to observe the importance of establishing and practicing electrical safety habits in the home, school and workplace to reduce the number of electrically-related fires, injuries and deaths. |
| STAFF REFERENCE: |
|
Kendall Glover, Utilities Director
|
|
|