Kids and Safety

As sunny, warm weather of spring arrives we are all drawn to head outside to play in the fresh air, especially children. Before the kite flying, tree climbing and splashing in puddles resumes, Safe Electricity recommends families review electrical safety rules with their children to encourage safe outdoor play. "Point out overhead power lines and electrical equipment to your children, and emphasize that they should never climb on or play near them.” says Molly Hall, Safe Electricity Director. “Kids often do not understand the dangers of electricity and electrical equipment.” Safe Electricity recommends that children be taught to follow these rules: • Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines aren't touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch. • Fly kites and model airplanes in large open areas like a park or a field, safely away from trees and overhead power lines. If a kite gets stuck in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Electricity can travel down kite strings or wires and electrocute you. Contact your electric utility for assistance. • Never fly a kite on a cloudy day when a thunderstorm may be brewing. • Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment is extremely high voltage and could kill you. • Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment. • Never go into an electric substation for any reason - even on a dare. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Never rescue a pet or retrieve a ball or toy that goes inside. Call your electric utility instead. When designing an outdoor play area for your children make sure to take precautions before starting your project. Do not install playground equipment or swimming pools underneath or near power lines. Installation of either will require some digging; be sure to call your local underground utility locating service to have buried lines marked so you can avoid serious injury and damage.