May 2021: Electrical Safety Month

WHEREAS, the main causes of electrical residential fires in Michigan in 2020 were related to heat from powered and operating equipment which resulted in 4,734 reported fires; and,

 

WHEREAS, there were 15 civilian deaths, 109 civilian injuries, and 41 firefighter injuries related to electrical home structure fires in Michigan in 2020; and,

 

WHEREAS, the total financial loss resulting from those home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction was more than $67.2 million; and,

 

WHEREAS, as people work from home and go to virtual school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the heightened use of electrical devices and charging stations have increased the possibility of electrical fires; and,

 

WHEREAS, following basic electrical safety precautions can help prevent Michiganders from being injured or killed; and,

 

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged to acquire help from Michigan-licensed electricians to inspect their homes and workplaces for possible electrical hazards; and,

 

WHEREAS, citizens are advised to protect their homes and families with the latest safety technology, such as ground fault circuit interrupters, arc fault circuit interrupters, and tamper resistant receptacles; and,

 

WHEREAS, citizens are also urged to install, test, and properly maintain an adequate number of smoke alarms;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Electrical Safety Month in Michigan.