Do You Wear Green…

Or eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day? Do you have the “luck of the Irish”? According to Britannica, St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. Over time many legends grew up around him, that he drove snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. It was Irish emigrants to the United States who transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a secular holiday of celebrating all things Irish. The first parade was held in Boston in 1737. Chicago famously colors its river green to mark the holiday.

With the history of the holiday as a preamble, Safe Electricity reminds us not to leave electrical safety up to luck and offers these tips:

• When starting renovations or construction projects, be aware of electrical equipment and overhead power lines.
• Replacing standard light bulbs with LEDs and sealing air leaks with caulk can produce savings on your energy bill.
• Use only extension cords rated for outdoor use when working outside (this is a good tip also to power pumps for duck ponds!).
• Carry ladders and other long items horizontally to avoid overhead power lines whenever possible.
• Don’t trim near power lines and don’t use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines.
• Remember to call 811 before beginning projects that include digging.

And with those tips, we offer this Irish blessing. “May your pockets be heavy, and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.”