Eversource Recognizes National Electrical Safety Month with life-saving tips

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. With warmer weather returning and many people turning their attention to outdoor projects and seasonal home maintenance, it's critical to keep safety top of mind—especially when working around electricity.

In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, Eversource is reminding customers that without proper precautions, contact with electric lines or equipment can be dangerous or even fatal.

• Know where power lines are at all times, assume they are energized, and avoid working near electric lines – staying at least 10 feet away
• Always assume downed power lines are live. Never touch anything in contact with a downed wire
• Stay away from fallen trees that may be entangled with power lines
• If in a car accident involving a downed power line, stay inside until first responders confirm it's safe to exit
• Always call 811 before digging to mark underground utilities
• Hire qualified professionals for tree trimming or other work that must be conducted near power lines, and ask if workers have been trained in electrical hazard awareness
• Keep balloons, drones, and kites far from power lines
• Store power tools indoors and avoid using them in wet conditions

• Don't touch exposed wires or damaged appliances
• Use outlet safety covers to protect children and pets
• Never overload outlets or extension cords
• Replace worn or cracked wires
• Have a fire extinguisher on every floor and never use water on electrical fires
• Install GFCI outlets where moisture is present
• Unplug appliances before cleaning or repairs

Pittsfield Remembers Lives Lost to Overdose, Underscores Harm Reduction

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33AM / Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Mayor Peter Marchetti reads a proclamation at City Hall encouraging residents to raise awareness and lift each other up. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of people gathered downtown on Monday to remember those lost to overdose and work toward a future of zero deaths from substance use disorder. 

The Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative and its partners held a proclamation reading and flag-raising at City Hall, followed by a standout in Park Square with signs promoting the use of naloxone, harm reduction, and reducing associated stigma. 

There were 23 fatal overdoses in Berkshire County in 2025, 11 in Pittsfield. This is down 44 percent from the 41 countywide fatalities in 2024. 

While it is a significant decrease, advocates want to see that number at zero. 

"On the one hand, we're very pleased to see this significant of a decrease. This is actually the lowest number that we've had since [Department of Public Health] started collecting these numbers in 2013, but the goal is still zero," said Andy Ottoson, public health planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. 

August is International Overdose Awareness Month, the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those lost without stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. September is National Recovery Month, a national observance to educate the public on the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services.

Samantha Kendall of Berkshire Harm Reduction explained that it is truly meeting people where they are, as they are, and when they are, "and I think we all do a really great job at that."

"We also want to remember that we're building a community for everybody, and systems and policies for everybody. That's really important in harm reduction work, so that's also the reason we're here today," she said.