Stop-Think-Stay Away!

Electric Safety Lesson at Sweetsir.

On May 20th, the Town of  Merrimac Light Department provided a special presentation on electric safety for our students in grades k-2.  Students enjoyed the opportunity to see the big trucks, safety gloves, and tools up close.

Thank you to Ray Gouley, Safety Consultant, and Francisco Frias, the new General Manager, who visited along with line men, Mr. Jennings and Mr. Saunders!  
Mr. Gouley stressed the importance of calling the Department anytime help is needed (even to retrieve kites, or spray a bees nest around power lines).  Students were encouraged to share the following safety tips with their parents:

• If you ever see power lines on the ground-"Stop- Think- Stay Away!"  Call the Electric Light Department immediately for help anytime wires are knocked over.
• Electricity can travel, so never spray water guns, silly string, or hornet/bee spray near the wires.  
• Only birds that fly can safely touch wires, hence many squirrels met their demise upon touching the ground.... The electricity in power lines is extremely dangerous, and fast moving, so never retrieve toys (such as kites or parachutes) from them. 
• During storms, stay away from tall trees and poles that could conduct electricity.
• Do not use electronics (including battery operated phones and video games) during thunder storms.  
• Call the Town to check where underground wires are located before digging any large holes.
• Always stay behind the coned area when trucks are present.  Ask workers for help if needed. 
• To ensure workers safety, remind parents to keep their eyes on the road (do not use cell phones) while driving.

CALL FOR HELP
 Mr. Saunders encouraged children to peek inside
the bucket.  The crew are happy to use it to
retrieve toys that land in the wires.

DIG SAFE

Before digging, always call the Town
to ensure no lines are present.