National Electrical Code Sample Press Release
City, State—[Insert Company/Organization Name]is partnering with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to educate the public on the importance of adopting the National Electrical Code (NEC) in a timely manner.
The NEC is not a national law, but it is adopted by states and other local municipalities. This leaves states to determine how safe their homes and buildings will be, as the NEC only applies to new construction. This can lead to a series of issues when homes are not inspected by electricians for years on end, and were built decades ago. It is then the sole responsibility of the property owner to ensure that its occupants are safe from electrical fires and electrocution.
“The NEC is updated every three years to include the latest in proven safety technology, and ESFI is committed to educating the public about the important upgrades that can help prevent electrical fires, shock, and electrocution,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “This year’s changes cover everything from common hazards from non-safeguarded electrical outlets, to lesser-known causes such as electric shock drowning.”
The most recent version of the NEC was published in 2017, but as of October 1st, 2017, only twelve states are utilizing this edition. “If your state is behind even one version of the NEC, this implies that construction in your state is operating on safety guidelines from three years ago,”said [Insert Company/Organization contact].
As an example, the state of Pennsylvania, which was one of the top three states to lead the nation in the number of fire-related deaths, is currently utilizingthe 2008 version of the NEC. If Pennsylvania adopts the 2011 code during the next code cycle, the state will potentially be 9 years behind in electrical safety.
Regional industry representatives from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) are available to work with you to support your NEC adoption efforts. Contact a representative near you for expert assistance and local support.
To learn more about new life saving technology required by the most recent code, visit
[Insert Organization boilerplate]
About ESFI:
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May to increase public awareness of the electrical hazards around us at home, work, school, and play. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. For more information about ESFI and electrical safety, visit