Commitment to Community

Co-op spreads the word about electrical safety and linework

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently attended career day at North Bay Haven Charter Academy to talk about electrical safety and linework.

The demonstration trailer, built by Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees, features working electrical equipment. The presentation begins with an overview of the safety equipment lineworkers wear and use. Lineworkers then demonstrate what happens when vegetation, squirrels, balloons, kite strings, a ladder, a fire hose and a rubber boot contact an energized line.

An energized car door offers a powerful lesson on why you should not walk up and attempt to help someone in a car that has energized lines on it. Lineworkers demonstrate how to hop away from a vehicle with power lines on it if you absolutely must exit the vehicle.

The demonstration is available for local schools, fire departments, civic groups and other organizations. Presentations can be tailored for all ages. To book a visit, contact Kristin Douglas at (850) 265-3631, extension 3002 or send an email to Kristin.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative took its live line safety demonstration trailer to North Bay Haven Charter Academy’s third-grade career day.

Cole Barfield watches Jay Shiver demonstrate the dangers of improper ladder use.

GCEC employees who helped with the presentation are, front row, from left, Jay Shiver, Sunny Brown, Linda Bennett and Cole Barfield, and back row, from left, Brennis Smith, Jeremy Miles, Wesley Newsome, Shane Kriser and Chad Brackin.