News

By: Brad Castor, President/CEO

Children don’t always know the dangers of electricity and electrical equipment. With May recognized as Electrical Safety Month, it’s an ideal time to reinforce simple lessons that can help kids stay safe all summer long.

Young imaginations often turn the unfamiliar into something fun or inviting, which can make electrical equipment especially dangerous. Take time to point out overhead power lines, utility poles and other electrical equipment, and explain what they are and why they should be avoided.

Teach children these important rules:

• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if lines aren’t touching the branches, they can shift and make contact when weight is added.
• Kites, drones and model airplanes should only be flown in good weather and in wide-open spaces such as parks or large fields. Keep them far from overhead power lines and substations. If a kite or toy becomes tangled near power lines, never try to retrieve it. Electricity can travel through strings or wires.
• Never climb a utility pole or tower. These structures carry high voltage electricity that can be deadly.
• Stay away from pad-mounted electrical equipment. These green metal boxes, often found on concrete pads, contain transformers and should never be played on or around.
• Never enter an electric substation. High voltage equipment inside can cause severe shock, even without direct contact.
• Seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard or lightning is seen while playing outdoors.
• Teach children never to touch electrical appliances while in a pool or hot tub and to keep all electrical devices at least 10 feet away from water. Swimming during a storm is never safe.

Protect your family by installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and in rooms where water is present. GFCIs shut off power instantly if a problem is detected and are affordable and widely available.

Use caution with outdoor electrical appliances, even when plugged into GFCI outlets. Never use damaged extension cords and always keep the ground prong intact.

Flooded areas are especially dangerous and may hide energized equipment or downed power lines.

Always assume a downed power line is energized. Stay far away and teach children to report fallen or hanging wires to an adult immediately. If you encounter a downed line, call 911 and keep others clear.

At Rich Mountain Electric, safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to helping your family stay safe year-round.