WHEREAS, hundreds of people die, and thousands are injured each year in the United States as a result of electrical-related incidents; and
WHEREAS, property damage resulting from home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction amounts to more than $1.3 billion annually, and on average, there are 430 civilian deaths related to electrical home structure fires each year; and
WHEREAS, 6.4 workplace injuries occur daily in the United States from electrically related incidents; following basic electrical safety precautions can help prevent thousands of people from being injured or killed each year; and
WHEREAS, people are encouraged to inspect their homes and workplaces for possible electrical hazards and to protect their homes and families with the latest safety technology, such as ground fault circuit interrupters, arc fault circuit interrupters, surge protective devices, and tamper resistant receptacles; and
WHEREAS, every family or individual should install, test, and properly maintain an adequate number of smoke alarms; and
WHEREAS, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace through education, awareness, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people in our communities to observe the importance of establishing and practicing electrical safety habits in the home, school, and workplace to reduce the number of electrical-related fires, injuries, and deaths;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2022, as “ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.