JCP&L Unveils Safety Training Program for First Responders

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has began training area emergency first responders with their new safety-training program.

The 'Emergency Responder Electrical Safety Training' recently held its first session at the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management meeting in Freehold. According to a JCP&L press release, the program was announced earlier this year as a way to provide additional safety information to municipal officials about power restoration efforts during significant storm events.

Senior Public Relations Representative Ron Morano explained that the new program came in response to recent storms.

“It [program] marks the start of another significant program we have introduced in response to the feedback we received following Hurricane Sandy,” said Morano.

The press release explained that the training was conducted by JCP&L safety supervisor Bill Stevenson. The program showed practical and important safety tips for police and fire personnel as well as emergency medical technicians when responding to downed power lines and other emergencies involving electrical equipment and facilities.

After each training, participants recieve a copy of JCP&L's emergency responders' electrical safety kit which includes a video, DVD of JCP&L's storm restoration process, PowerPoint presentation with booklet for emergency responders, suggested guidlines and a facilitator's guide.

“The emergency responders’ electrical safety kit was created based on the feedback JCP&L received from emergency management and municipal officials,” said Stevenson in a press release. “The communities we serve ultimately will benefit from this comprehensive program since first responders will be better trained to handle emergency situations involving electricity.”

While Freehold was the first location to host the training, JCP&L plans on giving the program to emergency first responders throughout the company’s northern and central New Jersey service areas.