ST. LOUIS – Approximately 175 union electricians and electrical contractors with the Electrical Connection volunteered to make homes safer for low income, elderly and disabled St. Louisans on April 19, 2008. The volunteers performed a number of electrical upgrades and were on the lookout for any potential structural flaws as a result of the magnitude 5.2 earthquake that rattle the area on April 18, 2008. In all, more than $90,000 in services and materials were donated in the effort.

For the fifth consecutive year, members of the Electrical Connection repaired and updated electrical systems in 44 homes in some of the region’s poorest neighborhoods. The effort was part of the non-profit Rebuilding Together St. Louis, which marshals volunteers annually to rehabilitate the homes of low-income people. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Supporting the union electricians were union electrical contractors and union electric supply houses who donate materials for the campaign. Overall, the Rebuilding Together St. Louis was helped by union craftsmen from various trades who donated their time and talent to improve 110 homes in St. Louis City and surrounding counties. Since 1995, the organization has improved more than 1,200 homes and engaged in 29 community projects in the region.

Combating Electrical Fires
“Faulty wiring accounts for a large number of house fires, so we paid particular attention to electrical safety issues,” said Matt Lampe, business representative for IBEW Local # 1. In a March 2008 report, the U.S. Fire Administration urged greater efforts to combat residential electrical fires, which claim 360 lives and injure 1,000 people annually
(http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/media/press/2008releases/032708.shtm).

IBEW Local #1 electricians from union electrical contractors J. Bathe Electric, Beach Electric Co., Bell Electric, Branson Electric Co., Clayshire Electric, Inc., Conti Electric, Inc., Demand Electric, Inc., Dickherber Electric, Inc., Fortune Electric, Guarantee Electrical Co., Kay Bee Electric Co., Marshall Electric, Inc., M R Bathe Electric, Northwest Electric Co., Premise Communications and Electric, Sachs Electric, Sanderson Electric, Schaeffer Electric Co., Stairwalt Electric, Superb Electric, L.C., and Wentzel Electric will participate in the effort.

The Electrical Connection donates time and materials for a number of other community initiatives. In 2007, it was honored for safely wiring a record 25 Habitat for Humanity homes. Also, for 12 consecutive years, members of the group have volunteered services to support St. Louis city’s “National Night Out” anti-crime program.

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Editor’s Note: The Electrical Connection makes its offices at 5735 Elizabeth in South St. Louis, Mo. (63110).