May 2022: Electric Safety Month

WHEREAS, hundreds of people die, and thousands are injured each year in the United States as a result of electricity related incidents; and,

WHEREAS, on average, there are 430 civilian deaths related to electrical home structure fires each year; and,

WHEREAS, property damage resulting from home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction amounts to more than $1.3 billion annually; and,

WHEREAS, 6.4 workplace injuries occur daily in the United States from electricity related incidents; and,

WHEREAS, following basic electrical safety precautions can help prevent thousands of people from being injured or killed each year; and,

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to inspect their homes and workplaces for possible electrical hazards; and,

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

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

WHEREAS, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace through education, awareness, and advocacy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as Electric Safety Month in Michigan.