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Summer Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

June 18, 2004

School's out for summer, and that means that kids are out having fun in the backyard, the local pool and parks. Parents can share a few electrical safety basics with their children to ensure a happy, healthy summer.

Sandy Smith

"It is important that parents make electrical safety a priority for summer, especially as kids begin a three-month journey of newfound freedom," said Frank Clark, president of ComEd. "We encourage parents to sit down with their kids and visit www.comedsafety.com for electric safety lessons taught through fun, interactive games as well as review our safety basics checklist with everyone in their family."

That safety basics checklist includes:

Be aware of power lines around you and always assume that wires are "live and dangerous." Never touch an outdoor wire with any part of your body, toys or other objects.
Do not throw items such as gym shoes onto electric lines and equipment or try to retrieve items from around aerial power lines.
Fly kites and model airplanes and other toys in large open areas such as a field or a park - safely away from trees and overhead power lines. Also, do not attempt to retrieve balloons, kites or other objects that may get stuck on power lines or other electrical equipment.
Do not climb trees near power lines. Even if power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch during climbing when more weight is added to a branch.
Never climb a utility pole, or play on or around electrical equipment.
Never post or tie signs, hang banners or tie ribbons or balloons onto utility poles or other electrical equipment. This can be dangerous to you and endanger utility workers.
Do not go into an electric substation for any reason - even on a dare. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Also, never attempt to rescue a pet that goes inside. Instead, call your local utility company.
Never try to rescue a family member, friend or pet that has come into contact with any electrical equipment -- Call 911 immediately.
Keep electrical toys, appliances and tools at least 10 feet away from pools and wet surfaces.
Never touch any electrical toys, appliance and tools while you are wet or standing in water. Energy flows easily through water, like a puddle or a pool.