10 Electrical Safety Tips for Spring

Check trees for nearby overhead power lines before your kids begin climbing. 

Temperatures are on the rise, and it’s a great time for kids to get outside and put playground equipment to use after a long winter. It’s easy for the electrical equipment that we see every day to fade into the background, but it’s important to always take safety precautions around it. 

Take time to explain to your kids how to be safe around electricity before they head outdoors. 

Share these tips with kids when having a conversation about how to stay safe around outdoor electrical equipment:

1Never enter an electrical substation for any reason. Even if a pet has entered inside or a ball goes over the fence, do not go in. Call your electrical cooperative for help. Substations should only be entered by professionals. 

2Kites should only be flown during good weather conditions and in large, open areas like a park or a field. Always look up and check for the location of overhead power lines and other electrical equipment, so that you can be sure to fly kites far away from them. A kite string can conduct electricity from an overhead line directly to the person on the ground.

3Before climbing a tree, check that the tree and its branches are not located near any overhead power lines. Climbing a tree in contact with a power line can energize the tree with electricity and lead to electric shock or death.

4Never throw objects at power lines. If something accidentally becomes caught on the lines, contact your electric cooperative for help.

5If you ever see downed electrical wires, stay far away. Call 911 to have the utility notified. Downed lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be carrying electricity and be dangerous. 

6Do not play with, tamper with, or open outdoor electrical boxes. They contain electrical equipment for underground service to homes and businesses.

7Check the forecast before going outside. Do not plan outdoor activities if a thunderstorm is expected because there is no safe place from lightning when you are outside. Follow the advice of the National Weather Service: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”

8Keep all long-handled tools out of reach of children so they will not be tempted to reach for or accidentally hit an overhead power line.

9Pay attention to trees and power lines. Do not plant trees near them, and if there is a tree that has grown into a power line, make sure to call a professional to trim the tree. 

10Make sure all outdoor outlets are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to help prevent electric shock.

For more information on electrical safety, contact your electric cooperative or visit SafeElectricity.org.