With warmer weather returning, the kids are probably going to start playing outside again.
And while that might be a huge relief for parents after another long winter of cabin fever, it’s also a good time to remind your children about some important outdoor safety tips. And that includes outdoor electrical safety tips.
Electricity may seem like an indoor thing, but if you really think about it we use a lot of electricity outside, especially around pools and patios. And, of course, all the electrical lines that power our home and neighborhood are also outside.
So it’s a good idea to go over some safety tips with the kids at the start of another outdoor season.
Here’s important tips to teach children:
Power Lines
- More and more modern housing developments are installing buried power lines, but for most neighborhoods, power lines are still strung from utility poles along with electrical transformers. These lines can be vulnerable to high winds, ice and falling tree limbs.
- Always stay away from any downed power lines, especially if water is present. Even if the line is not sparking or arcing, it can still be live. If you see a downed line, call 911.
- Never climb trees that have power lines running through them. That’s especially important if you get a kite or balloon tangled near the lines. Mylar or helium filled balloons can cause shocks and electricity can run down some kite and balloon lines.
- If you see something tangled in a power line, never try to untangle it yourself. Have an adult call the power company.
- Never climb utility poles.
- Never throw objects, such as sneakers, at or onto electric power lines.
- Many neighborhoods also contain electrical substations that are usually fenced off. Avoid any substations and don’t climb on the fencing. This also goes for in the ground transformers for areas with buried power lines.
- Never fly kites, model airplanes or remote controlled airplanes or helicopters near overhead power lines. Play with them in open areas such as parks or fields.
- Never fly a kite on a cloudy day when a thunderstorm may be approaching.
Pool Safety
- Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
- Be careful with electrical wires around pools. Make sure cords are not frayed or worn and avoid using powered devices such as power tools and electric toys within 10 feet of the water.
- Avoid touching overhead electrical wires if you are carrying a long object such as a pool skimmer or ladder.
- Do not touch any electrical tools, appliances, or toys if you are wet, standing in a puddle or are in a pool.
- If a pool light is flickering, stay out of the water and tell an adult.
Do you live in Gloucester County and need help with an electrical repair? Call us at 856.769.3932.