May is National Electrical Safety Month

May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe electrical practices at home, at work, and in our communities. At Dixie, safety is at the heart of everything we do—from maintaining reliable power to ensuring the well-being of our employees and member-owners. Here are some electrical safety guidelines to follow in your home. Your safety is our priority, and we are always looking out for you!

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

Electricity has become such a necessary part of our lives that we tend to take it for granted, but using it safely is very important. Thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes each year.

ELECTRICAL FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST

Electrical Fires do not have to happen. Use this checklist to help you find and fix electrical fire hazards in your home before they can start a fire.

SMOKE ALARMS

• Do you have enough smoke alarms?

• Are they working?

• Do you test them?

Install smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and Inside each bedroom. Test smoke alarms once a month by pressing the TEST button.

SWITCHES AND OUTLETS

• Do they make crackling, buzzing, or sizzling sounds?

• Are they warm to the touch?

Unusually warm and/or unusual noises from switches or outlets may indicate an unsafe wiring condition. Stop using these switches and outlets until they are checked by a licensed electrician.

CORDS

• Is there fraying or cracking?

• Do you use extension cords all the time?

Extension cords are designed to be used only temporarily. Extended use may damage the cord, creating a fire and shock hazard. Damaged cords may have exposed wires that can also be a fire and shock hazard. Do not use damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment.