FirstEnergy Emphasizes Safety and Sustainability Ahead of Summer Celebrations
- FirstEnergy emphasizes safety during summer activities, warning about hazards from foil balloons that can cause power outages.
- The company advises families to securely tie helium balloons and report fireworks incidents near electrical infrastructure.
- FirstEnergy promotes drone safety through an educational video game, enhancing community awareness and preventing accidents during summer festivities.
FirstEnergy Prioritizes Safety and Community Engagement Ahead of Summer Festivities
As summer approaches, FirstEnergy Corp. underscores the critical importance of safety during outdoor activities, particularly as families gear up for seasonal celebrations. Chad Stoneking, the Director of Safety Operations at FirstEnergy, emphasizes the need for heightened awareness to prevent power outages and ensure a safe environment for everyone. The company issues specific warnings regarding the hazards posed by festive foil balloons, which can easily drift into power lines and cause outages. Recent incidents have highlighted this issue, with over a dozen power outages linked to foil balloons across FirstEnergy's six-state service area in recent months.
To mitigate the risks associated with foil balloons, FirstEnergy recommends that families securely tie helium-filled balloons to heavy weights and puncture them after use. Stoneking urges families to exercise caution, especially during outdoor festivities, to avoid unexpected power interruptions. Additionally, the company advises against personal use of fireworks, recommending that they only be handled by professionals in open areas away from power lines. In case of any incidents involving fireworks and electrical infrastructure, FirstEnergy encourages immediate reporting to ensure prompt response and safety.
Further enhancing community safety, FirstEnergy promotes responsible drone usage with the introduction of its Drone Safety Zone. This innovative video game educates users on the rules of drone operation near electrical equipment while navigating a virtual electrified course. By integrating safety education into engaging formats, FirstEnergy aims to empower families and drone operators alike to enjoy their summer activities without the risk of accidents or power outages. This proactive approach reflects FirstEnergy's commitment to community safety and reliable service as the summer season begins.
In addition to safety initiatives, FirstEnergy's subsidiary, Potomac Edison, is making strides in environmental sustainability. The company has planted over 2,000 trees across Maryland and West Virginia, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing local green spaces. Michele Dellinger, an Advanced Forestry Specialist, highlights the positive impact of local tree plantings on community engagement and environmental health. With a cumulative total of around 22,000 trees planted this year, FirstEnergy is well on its way to exceeding its tree donation goals by 2025.
These initiatives demonstrate FirstEnergy's dual commitment to safety and sustainability, fostering not only a secure environment for outdoor summer activities but also contributing positively to local ecosystems and community health. Through proactive engagement and education, the company aims to ensure families can enjoy a safe and environmentally friendly summer.