Children often do not understand the danger of electricity and electrical equipment. In their innocent and imaginative minds, what can be potentially dangerous may go unnoticed or even appear enticing and fun. Take an opportunity to point out overhead power lines and any other electrical equipment to children and share these tips to keep them safe:

• Immediately seek shelter if lightning or thunder is present while playing outdoors.
• Never touch an electric appliance while in a pool or hot tub; keep all electrical appliances at least ten feet away from pools, ponds, and wet surfaces; and never swim in a pool or lake when a storm is brewing.
• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch.
• Drones, kites, or flying toys should be flown only during good weather conditions in large open areas, like an open park or a wide field.
• Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment is high voltage and could kill you.
• Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment. These are often green metal “boxes” on cement pads and contain transformers.
• Never go into an electric substation, which contains high-voltage equipment. Never attempt to retrieve a pet, ball, or any toy from these areas. Call your electric utility instead.

Parents, keep these additional tips in mind when electrical dangers could be present:

• When designing a tree house or outdoor play area for children, take preventive precautions before starting your project.
• Do not install playground equipment or swimming pools underneath or near power lines. Installation of either will require digging; call your local underground utility locating service to have buried lines marked, so you can avoid serious injury and damage.
• Flooded areas are never safe spots to wade or play in, and if there has been severe weather, may be in contact with energized electrical equipment or fallen power lines.
• Make sure your family members know to stay away from downed power lines and wires and tell children to report any fallen or dangling wires to an adult. Downed power lines are dangerous; always assume any power line is energized and stay far away. Call your local utility immediately if you or your child encounters a downed power line.