Commitment to the Community

Co-op spreads the word about electrical safety and linework

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently visited businesses, a community event and schools to spread the word about electrical safety and linework.

On February 28, GCEC participated in Palm Bay Preparatory Academy’s first ever Truck Day. Will Coatney, Taylor Hammack and Brennis Smith explained how an electric meter records electrical use and demonstrated how a bucket truck works.

In March and April, GCEC took its live line safety demonstration trailer to Southport Elementary School’s Celebration of Learning Day and to the Kinard Community Day and Easter Egg Hunt.

GCEC also held training sessions for Department of Transportation staff in Chipley and Panama City.

The trailer—which Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees built—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 do 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 email Kristin.

Baislee, daughter of Brittiani and Ben Hayward, enjoying the Kinard Easter Egg Hunt

Benslee, daughter of Brittiani and Ben Hayward, enjoying the Kinard Easter Egg Hunt

Gulf Coast Electric Co-op’s safety trailer team in Kinard was, from left, Brandon Price, Matthew Fleming, Brennis Smith and Wesley Newsome.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Taylor Hammock produces an electrical arc during a safety trailer demonstration at Southport Elementary.

Brennis Smith shows first graders at Palm Bay Preparatory Academy the safety gloves lineworkers wear on the job

Brennis Smith explains to Southport Elementary School students how an electric meter records electrical use, above.