Alabama Power Safe-T-Zone sessions educate Opelika area first responders on electricity safety
More than 40 first responders representing the Abanda Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, Auburn Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, New Site Fire Department, Opelika Fire Department, Opelika Police Department, Standing Rock Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office and Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue recently participated in two Alabama Power Safe-T-Zone sessions held at Southern Union Community College’s Opelika campus.
Hosted by Alabama Power’s Public Safety Awareness team, Safe-T-Zone is a program specifically aimed at first responders (police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters) that reinforces the importance of electrical safety. During Safe-T-Zone events, participants witness demonstrations by Alabama Power lineworkers 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 are performed on a custom-built trailer that uses 14,400 volts of electricity.
For some participants, these Safe-T-Zone sessions served as a refresher course on electricity safety. However, first-time attendees like Jennifer Jordan, a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, were able to see the presentation with fresh eyes. Jordan expressed her appreciation for the program and what she learned.
“I’ve worked as a law enforcement officer for 25 years, so I have encountered situations where there’s downed power lines,” said Jordan. “Safe-T-Zone reminded me that my only job is to keep all the citizens back from the area and to let the professionals handle it. If I see a downed power line, I know to call Alabama Power.”
Jordan previously witnessed someone being electrocuted and has seen the aftereffects of electricity exposure firsthand. Through this experience, she realized she wanted to learn more about electrical safety and was thankful for the opportunity to attend a Safe-T-Zone session.
“I learned a lot about electricity today. The event was very informative, and I want to say thank you to Alabama Power.”
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 southern Alabama and beyond.
Miranda Hurst, Alabama Power public safety awareness program manager along with David Smith and Amanda Lowe, risk services analysts at Alabama Power, were the primary speakers at the Safe-T-Zone events. During their presentations, these speakers highlighted the importance of Safe-T-Zone to 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, safety is more than a priority – it’s a core value,” said Hurst. “Just as we are committed to the safety of our employees, we extend the same commitment to first responders and the communities we serve. Through our Safe-T-Zone program, we demonstrate scenarios that first responders might face when dealing with emergencies involving electricity.”
“It’s all about raising awareness – helping them better understand the potential dangers of working around electricity and how to stay safe while doing their job.”
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 emailsafety@alabamapower.com.
