Summer Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

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.

Safety basics checklist:

• 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.