Electrical Safety Tips

1. No one, neither a child -- nor an adult, can tell if an electric wire is off or on simply by looking at it. So, whenever near an electric wire or appliance, if you do not know for sure that it is off, you must treat it as being alive and possibly dangerous, even if you do not see that it is plugged-in.
   
   
2. Never play with electric appliances, tools or electric outlets. All outlets not in use need to have a safety block in them.
   
   
3. Electric cords should never be warm when in use and should never show any wear or damage. This could cause a fire.
   
   
4. Any plug-in appliance you or an adult uses should always be unplugged when it is not being used. Many people are injured and home fires started by leaving appliances plugged-in when not in use.
   
   
5. Most appliances, such as the television, need to have a free flow of air around them so they do not overheat and start a fire. So do not place anything on top of the TV.
   
   
6. Never fly kites, model airplanes or balloons near overhead power lines.
   
   
7. Never fly kites with a wire or a wet string, even when the weather is fair. Not only is there the danger from overhead power lines, even when far away, but static electricity can build up enough on the kite and string to be dangerous. Ben Franklin (and his mouse, Amos) were very lucky.
   
   
8. If you are going to climb trees, be very careful to never climb one that has power lines through or near the limbs. There is danger not only from actually touching the wires, but the wind or your weight can cause a limb to touch a wire, causing a danger of electrocution to anyone in or near the tree.
   
   
9. If you come upon an overhead power line that is low or lying on the ground, always assume that any one who touches it or comes near it will be killed. A low hanging wire, or one lying on the ground, can suddenly move some distance blown by wind or even from electricity in the wire itself. Always stay a good distance away.
   
   
10. Do not play on or near transformer boxes, or put anything in any holes in them. If you see one that is not locked, you should tell your parents immediately, so they can call the power company. This is as dangerous as an overhead line being down, and should be treated the same way. Stay away!