“Second to none” electrical safety demo

Sharing the importance of electrical safety in Scranton

Firefighters face many dangers – not the least of which are electrical hazards – while battling fires and working to keep others safe. 

So when the Scranton Fire Department had the chance to learn from PPL Electric Utilities how to keep themselves and others safer around power lines and other electrical components, its members jumped at the opportunity. 

Dan Hallowich, deputy chief of Scranton’s Bureau of Fire, said the lessons we provided with our Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibit were “second to none.” 

“More often than not, we have to rely on theoretical discussions and case study review to learn about electrical hazards,” Hallowich said. “This presentation was able to put theory into action for us. We were able to see, hear, and in some cases smell, the outcome of these hazards allowing the development of key sensory memories – which is key for split second decision making.” 

“Without a doubt, the PPL Electric Live Line Safety Presentation has improved our knowledge and understanding of electrical hazards throughout the community resulting in a safer environment for our members.” 

Our 7,200-volt exhibit features live electrical wires, utility poles and transformers. Using ladders, gloves, shovels and other tools in a controlled environment, trained PPL Electric staff wearing protective equipment recreate sparks, flames, smoke and crackling that occurs when those items, as well as tree branches and mylar balloons, contact live electrical lines. We also discuss the importance of calling 811 before digging. 

To date, we’ve reached more than 55,000 people with nearly 600 demonstrations since 2016. And more than 50 electrical safety demonstrations have been scheduled for fire departments, municipalities, safety events and fairs across our 29-county service territory during 2022. We’ll once again be doing daily demonstrations at the Bloomsburg Fair, which takes place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1. 

Scranton firefighters watching electrical safety demonstration Live line electrical safety exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

If your organization is interested in a demonstration, please contact Doug Haupt at dlhaupt@pplweb.com or 610-297-2461. Available dates for 2022 are limited, but 2023 bookings have begun. There are several requirements for the demonstrations: an audience of at least 50 people is required; we need an area suitable to accommodate the exhibit; and the host organization is asked to invite nearby first responder organizations. 

For more information about how we keep our communities safe, visit pplelectric.com/safety.

4 Comments

  1. Diania Moll

    Portable air conditioner was working fine 7/23. 7/24 with temps to be close to 100, it keeps cutting off. Is PPL cutting grids down for demand?

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon Diania, We have not experienced any problems with demand this summer. Please contact our Job Service Team weekdays 8am-5pm at 1-877-220-6016 to explore investigation options for this issue. Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Linda Ninotti

    Hello, is this program, Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibition still available.
    I am looking to see if it can attend our Touch the Truck event 9/10/23 in Harding, PA.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Goof Afternoon Linda, We offer a Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibit to our PPL territory customers. Harding, PA is not PPL territory, so you may want to reach out your local electric company with your request. We take our mobile electrical safety exhibit across our service territory each year to teach first responders, contractors, businesses, school students and the public how to stay safe around electricity.To request a demonstration and receive information regarding our tree programs, please contact Doug Haupt at dlhaupt@pplweb.com. Thank you!

      Reply

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