Batter up! 8,000 kids take a swing at energy safety during Brewers Weather Day

We Energies safety experts were a hit during the CBS 58 Milwaukee Brewers Weather Day at Miller Park April 17. Nearly 8,000 school-aged children from throughout Wisconsin and Illinois received valuable information about staying safe around energy equipment – especially during severe weather.

The triple play combination of Mark Schmidt, trainer in electric operations; John Feider, manager in natural gas operations; and Andrew LaTona, supervisor in damage prevention, touched all the bases when it came to imparting the importance of staying safe above and below ground, no matter the weather conditions. 

And what would a trip to the ballpark be without a hot dog? On this day, however, the favorite ballpark food provided a valuable lesson instead of a tasty treat.

Schmidt picked up a hot dog with insulated tongs and explained the similarities it has to people: “Both have water, salt and meat.” He then touched the hot dog to live wires – cooking it from the inside out within seconds. The visibly astonished students quickly realized the importance of avoiding electric wires and equipment.

Schmidt’s demonstration took place on a small-scale model of a street with homes, businesses, cars and people to show how each might come into contact with power equipment.

Students examined power line cables, connected fuses and learned from our employees what to do if severe weather causes a power outage or downed power lines.

Other electric operation employees talked to the students about how our employees stay safe when they are restoring power after a storm. The kids were then allowed to explore and try on safety equipment that line mechanics use on a daily basis.

Feider made a pitch for natural gas safety during his time with the students, teaching them that natural gas is colorless and odorless until we add an odorant similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, which helps detect leaks. They learned that if they smell that odor, they need to leave the area immediately and then call for help. 

During LaTona’s turn at bat, students were surprised to learn that any digging in their backyards, whether for a garden, a fire pit or a post for a basketball hoop, can damage underground equipment, which can be dangerous or even deadly.

They heard that calling 811 at least three days before digging projects can prevent accidents from happening. 

Students left so much brighter about energy safety, they had to wear shades – which we provided as a reminder about the lessons they learned that will keep them and their families safe at home.