Children and Electricity

​Electricity and electrical equipment can seem harmless or even fascinating to children, but they pose serious risks. It's crucial to help them recognize the dangers and understand how to stay safe.
Here are some important safety tips to share with children:

1. Avoid Trees Near Power Lines: Explain to children that even if a tree doesn't touch a power line, climbing it could be dangerous if the branches get too close. The added weight might cause contact with the wires.

2. Fly Safely: Ensure kids know to fly kites, drones, and model airplanes in open spaces away from power lines and electrical equipment. If something gets stuck near a power line, they should never try to retrieve it—leave that to the professionals.

3. Stay Clear of Utility Poles and Towers: Utility poles and towers carry high-voltage electricity, which can be deadly. Remind children never to climb them.

4. Avoid Pad-Mounted Electrical Equipment*: These green metal boxes on cement pads might look like fun hiding spots, but they house dangerous transformers. Teach children to stay away from them.

5. Keep Out of Substations: Electrical substations are extremely hazardous. Even reaching inside can cause a deadly electric shock. If a ball, pet, or toy ends up inside, kids should call the electric utility for help.

6. Seek Shelter During Storms: Lightning is dangerous. If kids hear thunder or see lightning while playing outside, they should head indoors immediately.

7. Design Safe Play Areas: When setting up a treehouse or outdoor play area, ensure it's far from power lines. If you're digging for a pool or play equipment, always contact your local utility locator service first to avoid hitting buried lines.

8. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs can prevent serious shocks by shutting off power instantly when they detect a problem. Install them in outdoor outlets and any indoor rooms where water is present. Portable GFCIs are an excellent solution for outdoor outlets that don't have one.

9. *Practice Safe Outdoor Appliance Use: Only use electrical appliances outdoors if plugged into a GFCI-equipped outlet. Never use appliances with frayed cords; always ensure the ground prong is intact.

10. Keep Electrical Appliances Away from Water: Teach children to keep all electrical devices at least ten feet away from pools, ponds, and wet surfaces. They should never touch any electrical appliance in a pool or hot tub.

11. Avoid Flooded Areas: Flooded areas could be dangerous because they could be in contact with energized electrical equipment or downed power lines. Kids should never wade or play in floodwater.

12. Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: If kids see a fallen or dangling wire, they should tell an adult immediately. Remind them that downed power lines can still be energized and are extremely dangerous. Always contact your local utility if you encounter one.

These tips can help your children understand the risks and know how to stay safe around electricity. It's always better to be proactive and educate them early on.

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