NEWBERRY — Magician Chris Dixon performed his Making Accidents Disappear themed show recently at Newberry Elementary School as part of outreach by the Newberry County Electric Cooperative.

Dixon used coin tricks, optical illusions and puppetry to convey his message.

He reminded students that electricity is a tool with a job. They needed to pay attention to this tool so it would not hurt them, just as they would do so with a hammer or pliers. The big concerns were that students keep inappropriate things out of electrical outlets and that they keep water away from sources of electricity.

Dixon instructed students to stop, look and think before acting around electricity. He also discussed energy conservation as a matter of stewardship. Also covered was the science behind how electricity arrives in one’s home. Power lines move power faster than one can think so people must be proactive to encourage safety around electricity.

SPARKY, the talking outlet, was a hit with the students and a way Dixon could use humor to reinforce his message.

NEC followed up the remarks by handing out bookmarks to students that contained helpful tips about electricity and safety. The tips and presentation imparted important lessons, according to NES School Counselor Amanda Glasgow.

“I believe it is very important to have Newberry Electric Co-op come out to discuss electrical safety with our students because we are impacted by it daily, whether by using technology within our classrooms or by way of home gaming devices,” said Glasgow. “Since we depend on electricity, it is important to know how to properly utilize and preserve it. Mrs. Debra Shaw of NEC is always so gracious in sharing fun, informative electrical events with our students that capture their attention while also teaching them ways to be safe.”

Noah Boice helps magician Chris Dixon with a coin trick during a recent presentation on electricity safety at Newberry Elementary School.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_coop8.jpgNoah Boice helps magician Chris Dixon with a coin trick during a recent presentation on electricity safety at Newberry Elementary School. Courtesy photos

Newberry Elementary students Oscar Beltran Sanchez and Ikeena Wallace participate in the presentation on safety that was part of outreach by the Newberry County Electric Cooperative.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_coop5.jpgNewberry Elementary students Oscar Beltran Sanchez and Ikeena Wallace participate in the presentation on safety that was part of outreach by the Newberry County Electric Cooperative. Courtesy photos

Staff Report