For many years, Wabash County REMC has offered an electrical safety program to students in area schools. Again this year, Communications & Member Services Specialist, Rachel Cruz along with linemen Bob Kisner, Bryan Weaver, Eric Wilson and Jeremy Sweet conducted their mini Live Line demonstration to more than 600 4th grade students in Wabash and North Manchester area schools. The table-top display graphically demonstrates electrical safety around the home and farm. Kisner explained “this program is also a valuable reminder to adults of the hazards associated with electricity and power lines."
 With the lights dimmed and wearing safety clothing and using several props to demonstrate the effect of a live electric wire, and its electrical hazard to persons and property. The sparks drew “oohs” and “aahs” from students, but the message was serious. “Don’t mess with electricity.” Rachel Cruz told the group of students, “Hundreds of people are electrocuted each year.”
Cruz cautioned the students to keep kites and balloons away from power lines, with a demonstration to show the serious consequences of not heeding his advance. Students learn never touch a live wire or any object that could come in contact with a “live” wire. The most dangerous high-voltage wires have 7,200 volts of electricity pulsing through them. Mylar balloons with the metallic coating can get into a power line transformer and cause a power outage for hundreds of people.
In one demonstration, a lineman uses a hotdog to demonstrate the power – and danger – of high-voltage power lines. Cruz tells the kids that a hotdog can best demonstrate what can happen when human flesh comes in contact with the electric line.
As we present these safety classes, our goal is to do more than to discuss and demonstrate how electrical accidents can occur, hoping of course these demonstrations will prevent such accidents from ever happening. Cruz stresses the dangers of tree trimming, moving farm equipment under power lines and digging in the ground where power lines are buried.
Wabash County REMC is pleased to do our part to promote electrical safety in our community. Safety demonstrations and educational programs is just one of the many ways in which the cooperative invests its time and resources. “We want to educate the kids and encourage them to share the safety tips with their families,” explained Cruz.
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