May 15, 2026
May is Electric Safety Month, and Starkville Utilities is reminding customers that a safe summer starts with awareness and simple precautions.
Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that there is an increase in injuries and deaths tied to many summer activities, which is why it’s so important to never let your guard down even when doing something as simple as sitting by a pool.
“Summer is a season where we spend a lot of time outdoors,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “As we enjoy the longer days with family and friends, we need to be sure that we’redoing so safely to protect ourselves and others. Taking precautions and staying aware are key to preventing accidents, especially when it comes to electricity.”
Here are several important safety tips to keep in mind this summer:
Electricity and water don’t mix. Whether you’re doing yard work, hanging new festive lights outside or plugging in outdoor speakers, keep all cords and devices away from water. Never handle electrical devices when you’re wet or allow power cord connections to become wet. Use covers on outdoor outlets, especially near swimming pools, and install ground fault circuit interrupters to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
Stay away from power lines. Distance can be deceiving when you’re focused on other activities such as trimming branches, flying a kite, patching the roof or shooting fireworks. Industry guidance states you should stay at least 10 feet away from most neighborhood power lines and even farther when you’re unsure of the voltage. Never touch any part of a power line, and if you see one hanging or down on the ground, stay far away and report it by calling Starkville Utilities at 662-323-3133.
Only use outdoor extension cords. When purchasing extension cords for your lawn and garden equipment or power tools, make sure they’rethe right ones. Extension cords that are intended for indoor use only should never be used outside. Outdoor extension cords have added shielding layers to insulate and protect the wires inside. What’s more, many are designed to withstand various weather conditions such as humidity, sunlight and heat.
Call before you dig. You never know where underground utilities may be located if you work without calling 811 before digging. That’s just as important when you’re replacing shrubs, installing a sprinkler system or setting fence posts. No matter how small the job may seem, or how certain you feel about where the lines are, it’s always a good idea to call 811 before digging to prevent accidents and avoid hefty fines.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions. If you’ve purchased new power tools or equipment like a portable saw or an electric pressure washer to complete a project, read the owner’s manuals to learn the ins and outs of each one before getting started. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations for all power tools to avoid electric shock.
For more information, checklists and videos, visit the home electrical safety page hosted by the Electrical Safety Foundation or the seasonal safety page hosted by the National Safety Council for educational resources all year long.
Since its establishment by the NSC in 1996, organizations and individuals across the country come together annually to observe National Safety Month and bring extra attention to topics from safety engagement to risk reduction.
“Electric Safety Month is an important reminder that prevention starts with awareness,” Kemp said. “By taking a few extra moments to follow basic safety practices, our customers can enjoy everything summer has to offer while helping ensure it’s a safe season for everyone.”
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.