Media Contact: Mashi Nyssen, (626) 302-2255
 
ROSEMEAD, Calif., May 7, 2012 — May is National Electrical Safety Month and Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers to stay safe around electricity, and to establish and practice good electrical safety habits throughout the year.

SCE’s goal is to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards at home, work and school.

“We have a tremendous reliance on electricity, but we should be aware of its hazards and take safety precautions when we are near it,” said Karli Massey, SCE public safety manager. “We are pleased to join in the national effort to raise awareness about potential electrical hazards and the importance of safety at work and at home.”

Electrical Safety Foundation International raises awareness about potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety. Each year in the United States, ESFI reports, home electrical failures or malfunctions cause more than 50,000 fires, resulting in more than 450 deaths, nearly 1,500 injuries and in excess of $1.5 billion in property damage.

Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Mark Savage says electricity is “one of the leading causes of fires and fire-related deaths. Because we use electricity and electrical appliances in our daily lives, we must treat it with the respect it deserves. It is critical that residents stay informed and prepared.”

SCE encourages its customers to follow these electrical safety tips:

Electrical Safety at Home:

  • To protect against electrical shock, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the use of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI.
  • Have a qualified electrician install GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bath and anywhere water may be present; GFCIs are designed to protect against electric shock.
  • Water conducts electricity, so it’s possible to be electrocuted by water that has come in contact with electricity.
  • Keep electrical appliances and power tools away from water.
  • Never use electrical appliances in the shower or bath.
  • Dry hands thoroughly before reaching for any electrical appliance.

If an electrical fire breaks out:

  • Do not throw water on an electrical fire. You could be electrocuted.
  • If an appliance catches fire, safely unplug it as soon as possible.
  • Call 911 for the fire department.
  • If you see smoke or fire, or smell a strange odor coming from wires, appliances or electric motors, turn off the appliance and the main switch at the circuit breaker or fuse box if it is safe to do so.

For more safety tips, visit www.sce.com/staysafe.

About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

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SCE Reminds Customers to ‘Avoid the Shock,’ Stay Safe Around Electricity