Elementary Schools: Win $10K By Entering Electric Safety Awareness Challenge

Looking for a way to earn some extra cash for your school’s enrichment programs this year? How about entering the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s (BGE) “Wires Down Video Challenge.”

The contest, which is open to public and private elementary schools in BGE’s service area, offers schools the chance to win up to $10,000 by creating their own adaption of BGE’s popular “Wires Down” electric safety commercial.

BGE produced the original Wires Down commercial in 2000. This Emmy Award-winning theme “do not, do not, do not touch” refrain increases awareness of electricity hazards, especially among young children.

Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Edgewater teen Dylan Luiza ran into live wires from lines and a downed power pole in the aftermath of the Super Derecho.  Luiza suffered third degree burns and loss of feeling in his toes.

Schools participating in the contest are asked to submit a 30- to 45-second video using the same lyrics and melody from the original “Wires Down” commercial. Video submissions will be accepted online from Sept. 17 through Nov. 30, 2012.

In December, schools will compete against each other during a two-week online public voting period for a chance to win. The winning school will be announced in January 2013.

BGE will award one gold prize of $10,000; one silver at $5,000; and nine bronze prizes of $1,000 each. The money will be used to fund an enrichment program at the winning school(s) as outlined in the entry form.

For additional information on BGE’s “Wires Down” contest , including official rules, downloadable entry kits and helpful tips visit  BGEvideochallenge.com.