This month, Dakota Electric would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of electrical safety for kids.
Electricity plays a major role in our everyday lives, and it is a powerful resource that should be respected. Unfortunately, our children often do not understand the dangers of electricity. Since May is Electrical Safety Month, I’d like to review a few electrical safety tips to share with your children.
Outdoor Safety
When your kids are playing outside, have them keep a safe distance from power lines, substations and other electrical equipment. Flying kites or remote-controlled toys and climbing trees is fun, but accidentally making contact with a power line or other electrical equipment can be dangerous and, in some cases, even deadly. Below are some outdoor electrical safety tips to share with your children.
- Never fly kites or remote-controlled toys near power lines.
- Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
- Never climb trees near power lines.
- Don’t dig around electrical equipment.
- If you get something stuck in a powerline, ask an adult to call Dakota Electric.
- Never touch or go near a downed power line even if you think it is turned off.
Indoor Safety
Electrical safety in the home is important for everyone, but especially for young children who don’t yet understand the potential dangers of electricity. Below are some tips to share with your children regarding indoor electrical safety.
- Do not overload electrical outlets.
- Never mix water and electricity.
- Do not yank electric cords from the wall — gently pull from the plug.
- Don’t touch broken or frayed (with the wire showing) cords — these cords should not be used.
- Don’t bite or play with electrical cords.
- Never play with light bulbs in lamps and lights — this could cause burns, electric contact or a fire.
- Never stick fingers, toys or any other objects into electrical outlets or light sockets.
- Never put metal objects in outlets or appliances.
No matter how you choose to get your kids interested in staying safe around electricity, Dakota Electric is here to help. We offer free in-person powerline safety demonstrations to schools, police/fire/EMS and other social groups. To learn more about electrical safety, visit our safety page.
