Greenwell Springs, LA - During the week of November 7-10, DEMCO entertained students at fifteen schools in its seven-parish service area, with an Electrical Safety Magic Show: Making Accidents Disappear.
This unique program has been an integral part of the cooperative's community outreach efforts since 2009, using comedy, audience participation and magic to communicate the importance of behaving safely around electricity.
"Teaching students to Stop, Look, and Think around electric poles and wires, and encouraging them to share their knowledge with parents, has been a great way to deliver key electricity safety messages to students and parents alike," shares David Latona, DEMCO's vice president of governmental affairs and communications.
Scott Davis ingeniously incorporates the concept of electricity as a tool, likening it to everyday objects like hammers or wrenches. "Tools are useful, but if we're not cautious, we can get hurt using them. Electricity, unlike occasional tools, is a constant presence in our daily lives—at home, school, and during play," explains Davis.
Central to the show's success is the active participation of two students, who enthusiastically join the magician on stage as assistants. These young participants eventually produce vital safety words—Stop, Look, Think, and SAFETY—from the magician's hat, further driving the educational impact.
"Getting the students in on the act captivates the audience and helps the message stick," says Latona.
Chanon Martin, DEMCO's Community Relations Specialist, has experienced the joy it brings for the past fifteen years. "Even amidst the loud laughter and shouts of excitement, the messages of electricity safety take the spotlight," says Martin.
"You know you've been doing this a long time when the students are now the teachers," says Davis during his most recent school tour, November 2023.
As a non-profit electric cooperative, DEMCO upholds the principle of Concern for Community. DEMCO offers several youth programs for students from ages zero to eighteen. For more information, visit DEMCO.org/Community.
