June 2024 | Welcome Summer! Summer Safety Spotlight: Exploring with Care

The first day of summer is June 20, and as the season approaches, plans for staycations, picnics, BBQs, river trips, or beach vacations are taking shape. Safety, however, remains a top priority. With the warm weather tempting us to be carefree, it’s important to stay vigilant. Keep these essential safety tips in mind to ensure a safe and joyful summer.

Water and Electricity Safety: Always exercise caution around water. Avoid swimming near boats that are plugged into shore power or docks with electrical connections to prevent electric shock drowning. Weather Alertness: Pay attention to changing weather conditions and use a weather app for real-time alerts. Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away from a storm. If you hear thunder, immediately seek shelter. Remember, a ‘watch’ suggests potential severe weather, while a ‘warning’ necessitates immediate action. Drone and Kite Safety: When flying drones, remote-controlled planes, toys, or kites, choose open spaces far from power lines. Should any object become entangled, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself; instead, contact your electric utility for professional help.

As my family and I gear up for our summer activities, we’re mindful to follow these guidelines for a secure and memorable season. There’s a whole world out there to explore—this spring, we even discovered a 14-foot troll! Here’s to a summer filled with safe explorations and surprising discoveries. Enjoy the warmth and wonder. Be smart. Act safely. Keep pushing forward!

Book of the Month: “Our ultimate success in mountaineering (and life) is based not on our performance when everything goes well, but rather in those moments when little or nothing does; when we are faced with adversity.” The Program by Eric Kapitulik and Jake MacDonald

Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.