As community involvement is one of our values, Jackson EMC remains committed to educating children and adults during National Electric Safety Month. West Jackson Elementary got the trifecta for its career day on May 17.
Karen Ewing, community relations representative, spoke in fourth grade classrooms about the history of electricity in our area. Recently, the students took a field trip to the Northeast Georgia History Museum, so they already understood some of the trials and difficulties of life in rural Georgia without electricity. Karen also took time to explain that reading, writing and math are important life skills, as every job at Jackson EMC uses some level of those skills daily.
Huston Gillis, residential marketing representative in Jefferson, showcased the Power Town model. During his demonstration, several children said they played on the green electrical boxes in their neighborhoods. Yikes! Huston was able to teach them the dangers of playing around electrical equipment and downed power lines. He explained that our linemen wear special clothing that allows them to work safely around the electrical equipment. Students and teachers were able to try on the safety gloves. One student asked, “Can I touch a power line if I use my mom’s yellow rubber gloves?” Absolutely not! Huston then explained the many differences between household gloves and the work specific gloves Jackson EMC uses.
Terry Jones, job safety and training specialist, brought the official JEMC Safety Trailer. He explained how electricity inside and outside the home can damage unprotected skin. To help illustrate that unprotected skin and electricity do not mix, Terry placed a hotdog on the demonstration power line on the Safety Trailer. As usual, children—and adults—were most impressed with the smoking hot dog, and some asked if they could eat it.
Career days are just another way we engage with our community. They also serve as a reminder that how we work today has the ability to enrich young minds for an even better tomorrow.