National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, FEMA’s annual observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. ESFI’s free-to-share disaster safety resources provide important advice about how to help prevent electrically related deaths, injuries, and property loss by taking a few precautions during and after severe storms and other natural disasters:

• Generator Safety
• Power Outages
• Brownouts
• Commercial Electrical Safety During Disasters
• Consumer Electrical Safety During Disasters
• Prepare Your Business and Recover From a Natural Disaster
• Downed Power Line Safety – Always Assume Downed Power Lines are Live
• Overhead Power Line Car Crash
• Hurricane Safety – Eyeing the Storm

Free-to-Share Disaster Safety Resources

National Drive Electric Week

National Drive Electric Week, which runs from September 23 through October 2, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrids.

If you’re planning to purchase or if you’ve recently purchased an electric vehicle, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind. Learn about the different charging options available and how to charge your electric vehicle safely.

Home Charging: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE):
• Before using a charger, ensure the equipment has been listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
• Have a qualified electrician inspect your home to ensure your electrical system can handle charging
• Ensure both the charger and charging cord do not have damage before use

See more EV resources:
• Benefits of Electric Vehicles
• Understanding Electric Vehicles
• Installing Electric Vehicle Chargers

Free-to-Share EV Safety Resources

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and the National Electrical Code

ESFI recently created a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) book to educate about why these devices are critical to decreasing electrical shock and electrocution. This quick resource guide was designed to help outline the high points of why the code should be adopted with GFCI protection intact. The book outlines the importance of the NEC and how it works, as well as detailing how GFCIs operate and where they are required for both dwelling units and non-dwelling units. The code book can be downloaded and shared with consumers and governing bodies alike to promote the prompt adoption of the most recent NEC.

The lifesaving capabilities of GFCIs cannot be overstated. These devices have saved thousands of lives and significantly reduced the number of home electrocutions since they were first required in the bathrooms of homes by the NEC in 1975. Since then, the number of GFCI requirements has grown as in home electricity use and the risk of contact with water has increased.

Download the Free GFCI Code Book

IEC Presents SPARK: Power Tomorrow

IEC Presents SPARK: Power Tomorrow
Wednesday, October 5th through Saturday, October 8th
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Kentucky International Convention Center
221 S 4th St.
Louisville, 40202

At SPARK, you’ll have the opportunity to attend innovative educational seminars, visit the state-of-the-art Expo Hall, listen to special guest speakers, and attend numerous networking events. The exciting schedule will provide plenty of time to get to know electrical industry professionals from around the country who represent a broad range of organizations, skill sets, industries, experience levels, and interests.

More details of the event, including a full event agenda, guest speakers, special event locations, and vendors, are available here.

Thank you for all you do to make your community a safer place!

Sincerely,

Electrical Safety Foundation International

Thanks for the share JL!

Heidi