May is National Electrical Safety Month, a great time to think about the role safety plays in our everyday lives. We sat down with MVEC Director of Safety Chad Briese to talk about common risks, misconceptions, and simple ways members can stay safe around electricity.
Q: What’s a common electrical safety mistake you see people make without realizing it?
Chad: Becoming complacent with our surroundings. Overhead lines or the green transformer box in your yard can become part of the landscape over time. Adults may work around them and kids play near them, and we forget they remain real hazards.
Q: What’s a myth about electricity you wish more people understood?
Chad: The myth that a downed power line is not energized. Even with today’s technology, it’s difficult to know whether a line on the ground, or a damaged transformer, is energized. Every situation needs to be treated as energized and potentially hazardous.
Q: With spring projects and yard work picking up, what should people keep in mind outdoors?
Chad: The biggest thing is to plan ahead. Call 811 before you dig and pay attention to the markers placed in your yard. It’s to keep you safe., Also be aware of overhead lines when you’re using ladders or farm equipment. Those hazards are easy to overlook when you’re focused on getting a project done.
Q: What should members keep in mind during a power outage?
Chad: If you’re using a generator, make sure it’s outside and away from your home, not in the garage or a tight space. Be careful with candles, especially during longer outages. Flashlights are a safer option. And if you ever see downed lines during an outage, stay clear and report it — don’t assume someone else already has.
Q: What’s one thing you’re extra careful about at home because of your job?
Chad: I’ve learned that just because I work at MVEC doesn’t mean I know everything about electricity. It’s made me more aware and more careful, especially after learning from team members who work with it every day.
Q: If you could give members one piece of safety advice to remember, what would it be?
Chad: Don’t get comfortable around electricity. It’s something we use every day, so it’s easy to overlook the risks. Whether it’s calling 811, staying back from downed lines, or just slowing down and taking a second look at what you’re doing, those small steps can prevent serious accidents.
Staying safe around electricity doesn’t have to be complicated. Awareness and a few simple steps can help protect you, your family, and your community.
