Keeping Kids Safe

Electricity is a necessity in our everyday lives. We must take the extra precautions to minimize the potential electric shock hazards in our living environment. Just as we educate our children on the dangers and proper ways to cross the street, we must also educate them about electricity.

Parents please take the time to point out to children potential areas of danger around your home and neighborhood. Show them the location of the service entrance (meter) to your home, plus any overhead and underground power lines. Explain that they should always keep a safe distance from these areas.

While at play outdoors, they should never play near power lines.  Kites and model airplanes should always be flown in an open field. If any object becomes caught in the power lines or on electrical equipment, never try to retrieve it. Call your power company and let the pros handle removing the object.

Children are always exploring. By climbing up trees or on top of structures they decrease the clearance between power lines and themselves. They should be warned of the potentially dangerous situation.

Utilities now utilize underground cable to provide service to homes and businesses. Children must know not to dig in areas with underground wires. Along with the underground wires are ground mounted transformers and switching cabinets. This electrical equipment should be off limits. Please report any open or damaged equipment to your local utility immediately.

Substations, like Burns pictured right, are another area that is off limits to unauthorized personnel. The substation is an area that is surrounded by fencing for the purpose of creating a boundary and safe zone around large, energized equipment. No one should ever enter the fenced area for any reason.

Childproofing your home is another way to eliminate potential hazards. Children always want to insert objects into outlets. These objects range from keys to screwdrivers and even tiny fingers. For little cost and effort, these outlets can be blocked with outlet covers.

Exposed electrical cords are another attraction to toddlers. Try to position cords so that they are out of reach. If possible tape or carefully staple the cord to the floor. Make sure that frayed cords are discarded.

If you have questions about electrical safety please contact Four County Electric or your local utility.