It may seem like common sense to keep kites away from overhead power lines, but a child enjoying a breezy summer day might not even notice when they’re playing too close to electrical wires. What your children learn from you today can be a lifesaver later when they encounter a downed power line or think about climbing a tree.
Teach your children how to play it safe around live wires. Some good lessons for them include:
Stay away from electrical substations. If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, contact your electric cooperative for assistance—we’ll come and get it out for you.
Don’t fly kites, toy airplanes, balloons or other flying devices anywhere near power lines. It’s important to look up and move far away if power lines are present.
Avoid climbing trees anywhere near overhead power lines. A child could be shocked or even killed in a tree that is energized with electricity.
Never throw anything onto or over a power line. If a kite or other toy gets caught in the wires, leave it there and call the electric cooperative.
Keep all electrical appliances and toys away from water, including lawn sprinklers, swimming pools, hoses, rain, etc.
Stay away from guy wires, green transformer boxes, electric meters and breaker boxes.
Never touch an electrical device if you are wet, standing in water or in a pool.
Never go swimming during a storm, especially when you hear thunder or see lightning. Electricity and water do not mix, and swimming during a storm puts you at a high risk.
Never attempt to climb a utility pole or substation fence.
Call 911 if you spot a downed line, and don’t go anywhere near it. Assume all lines are energized and dangerous.
