Phenix City Safe-T-Zone event reinforces electricity safety to Alabama first responders
First responders from eight Wiregrass-area law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency management agencies recently participated in an Alabama Power Safe-T-Zone event in Phenix City. Safe-T-Zone is an electrical safety program specifically aimed at first responders (police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters) that reinforces to some and introduces to others the importance of electrical safety.
A total of 40 first responders representing the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Cottonton Volunteer Fire Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Phenix City Fire Rescue Station 3, Pittsview Volunteer Fire Department, Russell County Emergency Management Agency, Smiths Station Fire Protection District, Phenix City Fire Rescue Station 4 and Uchee Creek Volunteer Fire Department attended the event hosted by Alabama Power’s Public Safety Awareness team. During the Safe-T-Zone event, participants witnessed demonstrations by Alabama Power line workers on the potential dangers of overhead and underground electrical services, explaining topics like the consequences of pulling a meter at a house fire, what to do when encountering downed lines and how to handle unsafe situations. These safety demonstrations were performed on a custom-built trailer that uses 14,400 volts of electricity.
Hunter Smith, a firefighter and emergency medical technician with Smiths Station Fire Protection District, expressed his appreciation for Alabama Power’s Safe-T-Zone program, highlighting the valuable insights he gained about the complexities of power transmission and the importance of sharing this knowledge with local first responders.
“It definitely brings a broader understanding and spectrum to everything. Knowing it’s not just as simple as power from one point to another – there’s a whole lot of inner workings coming together,” Smith said. “Having that understanding helps tremendously, knowing that there are so many moving parts and that there’s a lot more to watch than just simple power lines.”
He also emphasized the importance of recognizing limitations as a first responder and expressed his commitment to sharing the knowledge he gained with his younger colleagues.
“Knowing that we’re not invincible — you put on the gear and think you’re Superman; we’re not. Knowing limitations and just how fast things can happen is crucial,” Smith said.
“I’m 100% taking everything back and going to teach the newer people coming through. If I can give that back and prevent someone from being involved in a dangerous situation, I’m doing good in that sense.”
Safety for all, including customers, employees and communities throughout the state, is Alabama Power’s top priority.
Through the Safe-T-Zone program, Alabama Power directly connects with those responsible for ensuring the safety of cities and towns in southeast Alabama and beyond.
Miranda Hurst, Alabama Public Safety Awareness program manager, was the primary speaker at the Safe-T-Zone event. During her address to first responders, she highlighted the importance of Safe-T-Zone to Alabama Power and the communities the company serves. Hurst expressed her hope that the topics covered will aid participants in avoiding “close calls” while working in the field.
“At Alabama Power we value safety. It’s at the top of our values list,” Hurst stated. “Just like we value the safety of our employees, we do the same for our first responders as well as our communities. With Safe-T-Zone we demonstrate some of the scenarios they may see on the job when they’re responding to emergencies.”
“We want to make sure first responders know what to do and understand electricity and the potential hazards associated with electricity. To save lives is our overall goal.”
Any first responders interested in learning more about the Safe-T-Zone program and electricity safety can contact Alabama Power Public Safety Awareness at 800-806-SAFE (7233) or email safety@alabamapower.com.