May is National Electrical Safety Month and the City of Mesa is joining the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to help promote public awareness and the importance of electrical safety.

Recent data from the National Fire Protection Association indicates that annually more than 53,000 electrical home fires result in the loss of life, injuries and more than $1.4 billion in property damage. Electric hazards in the workplace are estimated to cause more than 4,000 injuries every year.

“Electric safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Energy Resources Electric Division Director Frank McRae said. “Education and awareness of electrical safety can help save lives, prevent injuries and prevent property damage in the home and the workplace.”

ESFI will focus on one key electrical safety issue during each week in May:
• Staying Safe at Work, May 9-15 Effective electrical work safety programs increase safety awareness, provide established safety guidelines and mitigate the risks associated with electrical safety hazards.
• Educating Your Children, May 16-22 Help keep your children safe from indoor and outdoor electrical dangers by making sure they learn how to use electricity safely.
• Remembering Electrical Safety in the Field, May 23-29 Electrical hazards cause more than 300 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries in the workplace each year.

For more information on National Electrical Safety Month and other energy related safety tips, visit www.mesaaz.gov/energy.