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In a bid to empower the next generation with crucial knowledge about electricity and its potential hazards, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) has been actively engaging with elementary schools through its educational outreach program, Safety Awareness For Everyone or SAFE. Recently, the NNEC team embarked on a series of visits to several elementary schools, where they delivered engaging presentations on electrical safety and the fundamentals of electricity to fifth-grade classes.
These presentations aren’t just about filling the minds of young learners with facts; they’re about equipping them with life-saving knowledge. As students gear up for their Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, NNEC’s initiative aims to complement their academic preparation with practical insights into electrical safety and real-world application of classroom lessons. During the sessions, students delve into the basics of electricity, exploring concepts such as circuits, understanding how electricity powers our daily lives, and learning how electricity is generated and delivered to their homes.
However, the heart of these presentations lies in educating students about electrical safety. With a considerable emphasis on the do’s and don’ts, the NNEC team ensures that students grasp the potential dangers of electricity. They learn why it’s crucial to steer clear of power lines, whether climbing trees or flying kites, as encountering electric components can complete a circuit, leading to severe consequences.
By instilling this knowledge early on, NNEC aims to empower students to make informed decisions and adopt safe behaviors around electricity, both at home and in their communities. Through engaging visuals, real-life examples, and memorable anecdotes, the presentations drive home the message of safety in a way that resonates with young minds.
“Every presentation that we have done has been incredibly fun, but also incredibly rewarding. If we prevent one major accident, then the time and money invested is worth it,” says Kyle Allwine, manager of public relations for NNEC and one the program’s presenters. “We can play an important role in shaping how these kids think about safety, and that is powerful.”
The impact of NNEC’s educational outreach program extends far beyond the classroom walls. Over the decades since its inception, thousands of children have been reached with this potentially life-saving knowledge. As NNEC continues its mission to improve the quality of life in our communities, outreach in the schools has become a critical way of sharing the importance of safety. A safer community is a healthier and better community.
If you are interested in having the S.A.F.E. program at your school, neighborhood, or community event, please contact Shelby Davis at [email protected].