October 30, 2007
Cornhusker Public Power District Presents Safety Programs

Sixteen schools (365 students) in Cornhusker Power's five county service area learned about electrical safety in September and October. Fifth grade students in Platte Center, Leigh, Twin River, Genoa, Twin River Silver Creek, Schuyler, Sunrise, Howells Public, Humphrey Public, Lindsay Holy Family, Humphrey St. Francis, Clarkson St. John, Shell Creek, Howells Catholic, Boone Central, Albion, St. Edward and Spalding Academy experienced the program.

Cornhusker Power employees demonstrated with Hazard Hamlet, an interactive electrical safety simulator. Hazard Hamlet features 13 visual scenes illustrating common everyday situations in which people can be injured by electricity.

The safety message emphasizes staying away from overhead power lines. One electrical hazard depicted in Hazard Hamlet deals with a car hitting a utility pole. “Electricity always seeks a path to ground,” said Karen Schlautman, customer service representative. “If you’re ever in a car that hits a power pole, and an energized wire falls on the car, stay in the car until help arrives. You do not want your body to become a direct link to the ground, or the result could be fatal.”

In addition to Hazard Hamlet scenes, a board containing samples of different conductors is shown to the students. Students also watch a video, The Shocking Truth, which shows potential hazards associated with electricity.

The line technician shows equipment he uses when working on energized lines. He shows students a hardhat, safety glasses, rubber gloves, belt and hooks. Students always enjoy going outside and watching the technician climb a power pole.

Presenters of the program were Karen Schlautman, Brian Strong, Keith Staab, Jay Wemhoff, Derek Hanson, Neal Olmer, Jay Wemhoff, Mike Jacobi, Scott Miller and Marty McKay.

-- Top --