Alabama Power safety program for first responders goes live once more as company recognizes National Electric Safety Month

Alabama Power’s high voltage safety program, Safe-T-Zone, is returning to in-person for the first time since the pandemic began.

May is National Electrical Safety Month – a great time to announce the return to live Safe-T-Zone presentations. The program is available free to first responders including police, firefighters and paramedics. But the program can also be beneficial for any group that works outside near power lines, such as construction crews, painters, heavy equipment operators and landscapers.

“We are so excited to finally return to in-person Safe-T-Zone programs,” said Kim Savage, Alabama Power public safety program manager. During the pandemic, Safe-T-Zone was presented via a video version that was sent to groups free of charge. Over the past two years, nearly 250 copies of the video on DVD were sent to organizations around the state.

While the videos were well received, nothing beats an in-person presentation, Savage said.

“We have really missed being out in our communities and interacting with our customers. And there is nothing more attention-grabbing than seeing 14,400 volts of electricity in a safe and controlled environment,” Savage said. Safe-T-Zone illustrates what electricity is capable of and why it’s so important to be safe around it.

The first in-person Safe-T-Zone program is scheduled to take place June 2 in Mobile. To join this program or to schedule one in your area, contact Kim Savage at kssavage@southernco.com or 1-800-806-SAFE.

First responders aren’t the only group Alabama Power supports with safety messages and programming. The company also offers Safe-T-Opolis, a live safety program in schools for fourth graders. This interactive program features a video game component, so students learn electrical safety while having fun and competing for the highest score.

“The addition of the video game to Safe-T-Opolis totally puts it over the top,” said Theresa Jones, a fourth grade teacher at Huntington Place Elementary in Northport. “My students are absolutely obsessed. And my only complaint is that I can’t get them to stop playing the game and do math!”

Alabama Power also offers resources for children of all ages through its Electric Academy website. Users can request free Louie the Lightning Bug activity books or coloring books. There are handouts, posters and free online interactive games for pre-kindergarten through middle school audiences. The site also has brochures and handouts for adults.

Groups that can benefit from these materials can request them and they will be shipped free of charge. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Learn more at Alabama Power’s Safety Tips page on the company website.

“At Alabama Power, every month is electrical safety month,” said Savage. “We hope these programs and initiatives help everyone stay safe.”