Customer Newsletter, May 2010:
Electrical Safety Month Edition
I heard a pretty amazing
story the other day. It involved
two teens from Indiana, Lee
Whittaker and Ashley Taylor, who
were riding down the road with
some friends when their car
started to fishtail. The driver
tried to keep the vehicle on the
road. But within seconds the
car was sliding straight into a
utility pole--and that pole came
down, lines and all, right on top of the overturned
car.
Now most folks faced with this situation
would do what comes naturally--get out of the car.
But Lee and Ashley knew better. Not even a week
earlier they had attended a safety demonstration
at their school sponsored by their local electric
provider. One of the key messages relayed was
“stay in your car if it ever hits a power pole,
where you’ll be safe from any electrical current.”
The two did just that, and kept their
friends in the car and family members at a safe
distance once they arrived. As a result, the entire
group walked away with just a few minor injuries.
However, without a basic knowledge of electrical
safety, the outcome that night could have been
much different.
The electricity that Southern Power District
provides day-in and day-out is a phenomenal
resource, powering our modern lifestyles in a safe,
reliable and affordable way. But electricity must
be respected. If safety isn’t a priority, what
changes our lives for the better could change
them for the worse in an instant.
Lee and Ashley know this from experience,
and we’re striving to keep you
informed of electrical safety so you don’t
have to learn a similar lesson the hard way.
Safety has been a part of the fundamental
culture at Southern Power District
since day one. Being an electric lineworker
is ranked by the U.S. Department of Labor
as one of the top ten most dangerous jobs,
on the same list as fisherman, loggers, and
military servicemen. We demand that not
only those out in the field, but employees
at all levels make safety a top priority.
As part of our safety commitment,
please take the time to learn how you can
be safe around electricity at home.
Spending just a few minutes with some
helpful resources can make all the difference
when you’re faced with a possible unsafe situation. For more information on electrical safety,
please visit our website at www.southernpd.com as well as SafeElectricity.org and Electrical-Safety.org. I hope there won’t be any stories about Southern Power District customers getting
into sticky situations like Lee and Ashley. But if there are, a few minutes spent studying safety
today could ensure a happy ending!
Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
- Take the Time to Learn About Electrical Safety
Darrel Schmidt, Safety Director, SPD
I heard a pretty amazing story the other day. It involved two teens from Indiana, Lee Whittaker and Ashley Taylor, who were riding down the road with some friends when their car started to fishtail. The driver tried to keep the vehicle on the road. But within seconds, the car was sliding straight into a utility pole. More>>>
- Hotline Trailer Demos Coming to Outdoor Expo
Wondering where you can catch an upcoming hotline trailer demonstration? Your next chance will be at the Nebraska Outdoor Expo. More>>>
- Cooling System Tune-Up Program
When was the last time you had your home's cooling system tuned up? More>>>
- Refrigerator Recycle Program
Get $35 in cold cash when you recycle your old, inefficient refrigerator. More>>>
- Plan Ahead for Irrigation Service Needs
The District stands ready to respond to your irrigation service needs during the irrigation season at any time of the day and on weekends. More>>>
- SPD Talks to Area Students About Careers
Southern Power District staff spent some time in March visiting with students about the different types of careers held by its employees. More>>>
- ACT NOW to Keep Your Electric Bills Affordable
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to regulate greenhouse gases using a law NEVER designed for that purpose. More>>>
- Recipe Box
Lemon Pudding Cake Enjoy!>>>
Feel free to drop off your samples of this recipe to Southern's main offices for sampling. :-)
I heard a pretty amazing story the other day. It involved two teens from Indiana, Lee Whittaker and Ashley Taylor, who were riding down the road with some friends when their car started to fishtail. The driver tried to keep the vehicle on the road. But within seconds, the car was sliding straight into a utility pole. More>>>
Feel free to drop off your samples of this recipe to Southern's main offices for sampling. :-)
