Former Enfield Station School principal launches electrical safety education programming for fourth graders
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Maine – Versant Power has launched electrical safety education programming for schools in northern and eastern Maine. Angela Priest, former principal at Enfield Station School in Enfield, Maine has spearheaded the effort to create and launch programming for schools in her new position as Versant’s safety education specialist. This programming aligns with state education standards and is available for free to fourth grade classrooms in Versant’s service area.The programming is focused on energy and energy transfer and consists of electrical safety demonstrations using Powertown, a high voltage demonstration model that shows a variety of contact hazards with overhead and underground service. The model was created by Moore Syndication, which specializes in safety communications for electric and natural gas utilities.
“This program is exciting and engaging, not just for students, but also for adults. Everyone can learn something about electrical safety. I know I have learned a tremendous amount since joining Versant Power. Being able to demonstrate electrical hazards and show electricity in action gives students and adults a visual to solidify the lessons being taught and emphasizes the importance of being aware of our surroundings to keep us and those around us safe,” said Priest.
Educational material is also available to teachers and students through a new Versant Power
microsite, which includes the lesson plan used, various worksheets, and a completion certificate. Resources to help students engage with electrical safety topics are also available and include a word search, maze, coloring pages, and safety facts.
In addition to programming for schools, Versant’s public electrical safety education programming includes electrical safety training for first responders, contractors, and industry professionals. These trainings include videos and hands-on demonstrations and run approximately two hours. Continuing Education Hours (CEH) are available to those who participate.
“At Versant Power, safety is our top priority – not just safety of our employees, but safety of the public, first responders and everyone in the communities that we serve. This public education initiative is essential to help folks in our communities understand the dangers that electricity can present and be better prepared to keep themselves and others safe when an event occurs,” said John Flynn, president of Versant Power.
For more information or to request a presentation or training, please visit publicsafetyed.versantpower.com. You can also follow Versant Power on Twitter (@versantpower), Instagram (versantpower) or LinkedIn.