May 2023: Electrical Safety Month

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

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

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

WHEREAS, an average of two electric-related deaths occur in the United States daily; and,

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

WHEREAS, it is critical for Michiganders to stay at least 20 feet from a downed power line; and,

WHEREAS, citizens are encouraged 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, surge protection devices, and tamper-resistant receptacles; and, 

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

WHEREAS, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated 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 2023 as Electrical Safety Month in Michigan.