Just in time for National Electrical Safety Month – May -- the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is launching its annual effort to help reduce electrically-related fatalities, injuries, and property loss. This year’s campaign theme is "Decoding the National Electrical Code® (NEC) to Prevent Shock and Electrocution," which features resources to help protect against common electrical hazards.

“The NEC is updated every three years to include the latest in proven safety technology, and ESFI is committed to educating the public about the important upgrades that can help prevent shock and electrocution,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “This year’s resources focus on common hazards including non-safeguarded electrical outlets and lesser-known causes such as electric shock drowning.”

Each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns from sticking items into the slots of electrical receptacles.  Additionally, an estimated annual average of 70 electrocution fatalities are associated with consumer products. Further, there are reported cases of electric shock drowning that occur in marinas and swimming pools each year.

Featured National Electrical Safety Month content includes an infographic titled “Electric Shock Drowning - Unknown Danger Lurking in the Water,” which uncovers the dangers of electrified water in or near marinas; “Tamper Resistant Receptacles – Childproofing Done Right,” highlights the only permanent solution to childhood shock and burn incidents from sticking items into electrical outlets; “National Electrical Code®: Your Guideline to Safety” provides background on the NEC and the importance of its timely adoption; “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Your Protection from Electrocution” gives an overview on ground fault circuit interrupter technology requirements and provides testing instructions; and “Surge Protection - Keeping your Electronics and Home Safe” explains the different levels of home surge protection.

Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. For ESFI’s complete collection of National Electrical Safety Month resources and for information on using them in your community, visit www.esfi.org.

About ESFI:

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.esfi.org.