POWERGRAMS

12 Safe-T-Opolis Sermons TARGET ZERO EASTERN LIFELINERS SPREAD THE WORD TO STUDENTS The only time many children think about electricity is when a power outage prevents them from watching television or playing computer games. But thanks to Alabama Power Eastern Division employees, students are getting the message – treat electricity with respect and use it safely. During the 2015-2016 school year, Eastern Division's 52 Lifeliners presented Safe-T- Opolis, Alabama Power's electric safety program, to every fourth- grader in the division. That's 7,188 fourth-graders at 98 schools across east Alabama. In recognition, the Eastern Lifeliners received the first-ever 100 Percent Safe-T-Opolis Award. The employees have achieved the impressive feat three out of the past four years. No other division has reached that goal. "I'm very proud of these employees," said Julia Segars, Eastern Division vice president. "Over the past four years, more than 50 employees have accepted the challenge and responsibility to take the safety message to almost 30,000 fourth-graders. The impact of this effort on customer safety and Alabama Power goodwill in the community is immeasurable, and we're just getting started." Segars in 2012 asked employees to take Safe-T-Opolis to all fourth-grade classes. The program is geared for the fourth grade because electric safety is introduced to students at that level as part of the state curriculum. The Lifeliners, led by Oneonta Manager Kelley Stone, embraced the challenge and "made it happen," said Segars. The Lifeliners reach their goal year after year because they wholeheartedly believe in the message. "I feel like electricity is something all of us enjoy. Children, too. They need to know how dangerous it is," said Heflin Manager Wendell Wood, who took the reins from Stone last year as Eastern Division Safe- T-Opolis coordinator. "If we can prevent one kid from getting hurt, then all of our work has paid off." "When you see the children's faces light up, you realize they are learning something, and they are really enjoying it," said Sharon Amason, Roanoke customer service representative and Lifeliner. "We're often desensitized to that switch and don't remember it's connected to something dangerous. I think it's important these children understand what electricity is and what it can do." Segars said the effort has been a partnership between Eastern Division and Risk Services. While the Lifeliners are the faces inside the classroom, Wood and Stone have served as Alabama Power's liaisons with local principals and teachers. Bettie Edison, Risk Services administrative assistant in Anniston, has played a vital role in helping Eastern Division achieve 100 percent. Edison coordinates logistics and materials for the division and is the liaison between Lifeliners and schools. Kim Savage, Safe-T-Opolis program manager, commended employees for their commitment. "We talk about Target Zero and employee safety at Alabama Power," said Savage. "But we care about everybody's safety, including kids. They are our future co-workers, neighbors and customers. I can guarantee you that somewhere along the line, these programs have saved a life or prevented someone from being in an accident, and that's really what Safe-T-Opolis is all about." Volunteers use miniature city to show students the dangers of electricity. by Carla Davis

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