Kids Electrical Safety & Conservation
OUTDOOR SAFETY
- Don’t fly a kite or model airplane around power lines. Fly them in an open space such as a field or park.
- Use only nonconducting materials to make a kite. Use plastic, paper, wood and string. Be sure the kite doesn’t contain wire, metal or foil.
- Never climb a utility pole or tree by the power lines if your toy gets caught. Call your electric utility if you need help.
- Don’t fly toys in the rain or in a storm. Wet strings or wires can conduct electricity.
- Don’t release metallic balloons outside. They are dangerous conductors of electricity.
- Watch out for overhead wires when you’re using a ladder.
- Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires run through it or near it.
- Keep electrical appliances and toys away from rain, wet ground, swimming pools sprinklers and hoses. Remember, water and electricity don’t mix!
- Stay away from electrical fences that are used to protect property or animals.
INDOOR SAFETY
- Never put your finger or anything other than an electrical plug into an outlet.
- Pull by the plug and not by the cord when unplugging an appliance.
- Don’t use an electrical appliance when you are wet, have wet hands or when you’re standing in water.
- Limit the number of appliances plugged into each outlet.
- If you see damaged plugs or cords, don’t touch them. Tell an adult.
- Don’t place electric cords so that they run through doorways or under carpets. Cords should not be stepped on.
THUNDER STORMS
- Lightning is very powerful electricity in the air. During a storm, get inside a building and keep away from windows and doors.
- Don’t use electrical appliances or the telephone. Lighting can follow the wires into your home.
- Stay out of the shower or bathtub. Lightning can travel through pipes, too.
- If you are outside and cannot get to a building, avoid trees, poles and other tall objects. Also avoid large metal objects. These things are targets for lighting.
- Go to low ground and crouch down low if you’re caught outdoors.
- Stay out of the water. Never go swimming or boating during a storm. If you’re in the water, get out as quickly as possible.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN AN ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY?
Call 9-1-1
- Stay away from all downed wires–even if there are no sparks. Get help right away.
- If you are in a vehicle that a wire has fallen on, wait inside for help. If you must get out, jump clear without touching the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Then, shuffle away, don’t run.
- Never throw water on an electrical fire. Get help right away. If you have time, unplug the appliance or turn off the power.
- Never touch a person who is being shocked. Unplug the appliance or turn off the power if possible. Call for help right away.
KIDS & CONSERVATION
- Turn off the lights and other energy users when they are not being used.
- Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth.
- It takes a lot of energy to keep the water hot. Use cold water to wash your hands instead of waiting for it to heat up.
- Take shallow baths and short showers.
- Turn off the water faucets all the way.
- Open and close the refrigerator door quickly when choosing a snack.
- Close doors when going or coming inside when the heat or air conditioning is working.
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