May is Electrical Safety Month, and we are here to share some essential safety reminders and updates about our operations to keep everyone safe. As we welcome the warmer days, it's crucial to prioritize safety in all our activities—whether it’s gardening, maintaining our properties, or simply driving around our beautiful community.

1. Safe Digging Practices: Before you plan any project that involves digging—like planting a new garden or installing a sprinkler system—remember to contact 811. This is the most important step you can take to prevent unintentionally hitting underground utilities. Utilities can be buried just six inches below the surface. Visit www.co811.org and use iDig811, or call 811 at least three business days before your digging project. This simple act can help avoid service interruptions for you and your neighbors, and potentially dangerous accidents.
2. Adapting to Red Flag Warning Days: With Red Flag Warnings indicating high fire risks, LPEA is adjusting operations to minimize the risk of wildfires. This might mean more frequent and longer power outages, done intentionally, as we take extra precautions to protect our community and environment. Our updated infrastructure helps us quickly detect and address potential fire hazards, but these changes can disrupt your daily routine. We appreciate your patience and understanding as these precautions are vital for everyone’s safety.
3. Fire Mitigation Efforts: As we enter into wildfire season, LPEA is committed to mitigating this risk through:

• Regular Inspections: We inspect a third of our nearly 3,750 miles of line annually to ensure all equipment functions correctly.
• Raptor Protection: We're installing protection devices to safeguard local wildlife and prevent fire risks from animal-related incidents.
• Vegetation Management: Clearing brush and trees near power lines is a continuous effort to prevent fire hazards and debris-caused outages.
• Education: Offering electric safety demonstrations for various age groups and first responders, helping everyone understand the risks and stay safe.

What You Can Do

Help us keep the community safe by:

• Maintaining Your Property: Clear brush and assess tree trimming needs around your property. Remember, LPEA can assist with trees that may affect power lines.
• Utilizing Local Resources: Look into city and county offerings like free brush removal, which can reduce fire risks on your property.
• Driving Safely: Be cautious on the roads. Vehicle-related accidents are a significant cause of power outages due to damaged electrical equipment.

Your cooperation and proactive measures make a big difference in our collective safety. Let’s keep each other safe by being mindful of these practices and continuing to support the efforts that keep our community protected. For more information on safe electrical practices, visit our partners at Safe Electricity!