Hot Spot safely uses fire and sparking to teach electrical safety

PINEVILLE, La. – May is Electrical Safety Month and also time for Cleco’s Hot Spot safety program to hit the road.  More than 5,200 students who attend 41 schools across the state will watch Cleco’s Hot Spot team demonstrate ways to be safe around electricity.

“What better way to emphasize Electrical Safety Month than to teach students about electrical safety,” said Robbyn Cooper, Cleco’s Hot Spot coordinator. “Our hope is that after the demonstration, the students will become instructors and teach family members the importance of respecting electricity.”

Using real-life situations and props such as a fence, tree limb and kite, Cleco uses its Hot Spot program to show the dangers of being unsafe around electricity. The team safely creates sparks and fire as they allow the props to make contact with the power lines connected to an electric simulator that produces 7,620 volts of electricity.

“Our goal is to teach the students that while electricity gives us so many conveniences, it can hurt you if you don’t respect its power,” said Cooper.  “There are not many second chances when you are unsafe around electricity.”

From April 30 to May 11, the Hot Spot team will travel the state highlighting electrical safety. This is Cleco’s ninth year to perform its safety demonstration.

“Electricity is around us every day,” said Mike Joseph, Cleco’s risk manager.  “Over time, we all can become complacent and take chances with electricity that we shouldn’t. This demonstration makes a huge impression on students and teaches them lessons they can use for a lifetime.”

Hot Spot safety tour:

Monday, April 30

One presentation for Rapides Parish Elementary Schools at Peabody Magnet High School:
9 a.m. – J.I. Barron Elementary School, Cherokee Elementary School, Northwood Elementary School, Paradise Elementary School, Peabody Montessori School and CC Raymond Elementary School
12:10 p.m. – Our Lady of Prompt Succor School

Tuesday, May 1
One presentation at Pollock Elementary School:
9 a.m. – Pollock Elementary School and South Grant Elementary School
12:30 p.m. – Colfax Elementary School

Wednesday, May 2
8:30 a.m. – Opelousas Catholic School
1:45 p.m. – Grolee Elementary School

Thursday, May 3
Three presentations for DeSoto Parish Elementary Schools at Mansfield Elementary School:
9 a.m. – Logansport Elementary School, Pelican All Saints School, Stanley High School
10:30 a.m. – North DeSoto Elementary School
1:30 p.m. – Mansfield Elementary School

Friday, May 4
9 a.m. – West Leesville Elementary School
1 p.m. – Rosepine Elementary School

Monday, May 7
10 a.m. – Abita Springs Elementary School
1:30 p.m. – Northlake Christian School

Tuesday, May 8
9:30 a.m. – Alton Elementary School in Slidell
1:30 p.m. & 2:15 p.m. – Honey Island Swamp Elementary School in Slidell

Wednesday, May 9
9 a.m. – One presentation for elementary schools at Franklin Senior High in Franklin:
Centerville High School, Foster Elementary School, LaGrange Elementary School, Hernandez Elementary School, Raintree Elementary School

12:45 p.m. – One presentation for elementary schools at Morgan City Junior High in Morgan City:  Aucoin Elementary School, Bayou Vista Elementary School, Berwick Elementary School, Maitland Elementary School, Shannon Elementary School, Wyandotte Elementary School, Norman Elementary School, Watts Elementary School

Thursday, May 10
9 a.m. – John Hopkins Elementary School in New Iberia
1 p.m. – Caneview Elementary School in New Iberia

Friday, May 11
9 a.m. – DeQuincy Elementary School
1:15 p.m. – Carver Elementary School in DeRidder