Electricity powers our modern world, fueling everything from our homes and businesses to our essential infrastructure. While it brings countless benefits, electricity also poses inherent risks if not handled safely. Electric cooperatives are proactive regarding electrical safety— prioritizing education, prevention, and responsive action to protect lives and livelihoods, not just during safety month but all year long.
At Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC), we understand that promoting electrical safety is not just about preventing accidents—it’s about the safety of the communities we serve. Fostering a culture of safety permeates every aspect of our operations.
Education lies at the forefront of TWEC’s approach to electrical safety. Through outreach programs, our newsletter, informational materials, and safety demonstrations, we seek to empower our members with the knowledge and tools needed to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks. Whether it’s teaching children about the dangers of playing near power lines or educating homeowners on proper wiring practices, we work to equip individuals with the awareness and skills necessary to stay safe around electricity.
Prevention is another cornerstone of the cooperative’s safety initiatives. TWEC regularly conducts inspections and maintains our infrastructure to identify and address potential hazards before they escalate into safety incidents. Whether it is trimming trees near power lines or upgrading aging equipment, these proactive measures enhance the reliability and safety of our electrical system.
Responsive action is crucial in ensuring the swift and effective resolution of safety concerns. TWEC maintains robust emergency response protocols to address electrical hazards promptly and minimize the impact on the community. Whether it’s restoring power after a storm or responding to downed power lines, we mobilize our resources to safeguard lives and restore service as quickly as possible.
Collaboration is also key to the cooperative’s approach to electrical safety. We work closely with local authorities, emergency responders, and community organizations to develop coordinated safety plans and response strategies. Recently, at the hotline school at M-State in Wadena, our lineworkers participated in a mayday training. This training included local law enforcement, first responders, medevac personnel, and others. By fostering partnerships and sharing resources, we strengthen the collective resilience of the communities we serve and ensure a unified approach to safety preparedness and response.
Electrical safety is not just a priority for electric cooperatives—it’s a fundamental commitment to protecting the well-being of the communities we serve. Through education, prevention, responsive action, and collaboration, we are working to foster a safer future for all.
Daniel Carlisle
President/CEO & General Counsel
