Story & Photos: Kay Lucas
The University of West Alabama hosted Alabama Power鈥檚 Safe-T-Zone program on July 16 to provide high-voltage electricity safety training for approximately 75 first responders in the Black Belt Region.
Designed specifically for firefighters, police officers, and volunteer firefighters, Safe-T-Zone training provides first responders with practical knowledge and safety techniques to help them make informed decisions when responding to emergency situations.
Experienced Alabama Power line personnel led live demonstrations for first responders using a custom-built trailer powered by primary and secondary voltage to demonstrate real-world dangers involving overhead and underground power lines. The training also included scenarios involving substation fires, downed power lines, generator back feed, vehicles in contact with power lines, and consequences of pulling a meter during a house fire.
鈥淎t UWA, we are proud to support Alabama Power’s Safe-T-Zone training by providing a place where first responders from across our region can strengthen the skills that help keep their communities safe,鈥� said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淪trategic partnerships like this reflect our vision for the University as a catalyst for education, workforce development, and regional progress. By working alongside organizations that share our commitment to service and learning, we are helping strengthen the Black Belt through meaningful educational experiences that extend well beyond the traditional classroom.鈥�
Fritch thanked Alabama Power Director for Community Engagement Joseph Brown, who also serves as chair of UWA鈥檚 Board of Trustees, for facilitating the collaboration.
鈥淭his collaboration between UWA and Alabama Power is a true investment in the Black Belt Region, specifically in our people who go above and beyond often with limited resources to help serve and protect our communities,鈥� Fritch said. 鈥淧artnering with Alabama Power ensures that we are providing superior quality training to help protect and equip our local first responders and frontline service employees, and we are grateful to Mr. Brown for his shared vision for strengthening the Black Belt through collaboration between the two organizations.鈥�
UWA Police Chief Josette White coordinated engagement with first responder agencies in the area, echoing Fritch鈥檚 commitment to helping provide valuable experiences to organizations whose frontline personnel who participated.
鈥淥ur first responders are called to make split-second decisions in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable,鈥� White said. 鈥淗aving the opportunity to experience these electrical hazards in a controlled environment and learn directly from Alabama Power鈥檚 experts makes them better prepared to protect themselves and the communities they serve. Partnerships like this strengthen public safety not only on our campus, but throughout west Alabama.鈥�
For the University, additional training opportunities through the Division of Lifelong Learning and Economic & Workforce Development strengthen the educational opportunities offered outside the classroom.
鈥淯niversities have a responsibility to extend learning beyond the boundaries of degree programs,鈥� said UWA Provost Dr. Amy H. Jones. 鈥淲hether we are educating our students, supporting professional development, or providing opportunities for industry and public safety partners to share their expertise, collaborations like this strengthen both our communities and our educational mission. We are proud to see our campus serve as a place where knowledge, experience, and service come together for the benefit of the region.鈥�
For more information about Safe-T-Zone training, contact Alabama Power Public Safety Awareness at [email protected].
