Teach Children Outdoor Electrical Safety

Sunny, warm days and summer activities lead children outdoors. But before your children head outdoors to play, Safe Electricity recommends families review electrical safety rules with their children.

Point out overhead power lines and electrical equipment to your children, and emphasize that they should never climb on or play near them.

Safe Electricity recommends sharing this basic information with children:

• Point out overhead power lines and electrical equipment to your children, and emphasize that they should never climb on or play near them.
• 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, drones and model airplanes in large open areas like a park or a field. Stay far away from power lines. If something gets stuck in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Also do not attempt to free something that is stuck in an overhead power line. Contact your electric utility for assistance.
• Never fly a kite on a cloudy day when a thunderstorm may be approaching.
• Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment is extremely high voltage and could kill you.
• Never go into an electric substation for any reason. 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.
• Let your child know that water and electricity are a dangerous combination and should never be used near each other.