Shocking trend highlights electrical hazards

Teaching kids about electricity can save lives


 

 



Learning about electricity can help keep you from joining a shocking trend: Nearly four people are electrocuted in the U.S. each week in preventable accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.


To help keep people safe, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) launched "Look Up! Look Down! Look Out!" A campaign that provides families with simple tips to stay safe around electricity. Suggestions include:


Look Up! Be aware of overhead power lines. Because they can cause serious injury or death, follow these steps:


Always assume any overhead line is a power line.


Never go near, or let any object you are handling-not just metal objects-come near power lines.


Install antennas far from power lines.


Have your utility provider trim any trees with power lines running through them.


Teach kids to never fly kites near power lines and never attempt to remove items caught in an overhead line.


Look Down! Call before you dig. Power lines under your lawn can be just as deadly as those overhead—and they’re not always where you might think they are. Call your local utility provider and have them mark underground lines before doing any digging. It’s a free service.


Look Out! Respect high-voltage equipment. Those large metal cases in the neighborhood may contain medium to high voltage and can be dangerous.


Teach kids that electrical equipment is not safe to be on or near when playing or waiting for the bus, and to never investigate open or damaged equipment.


"Colder-weather activities such as cleaning gutters, planting bulbs and hanging holiday lights can bring us near electrical hazards, making this an important time to be mindful about electrical safety," said ESFI Executive Director Michael G. Clendenin. "We’re emphasizing simple outdoor safety steps and the need to teach kids about electrical safety."


For more information, visit www.electrical-safety.org, or call (703) 841-3229.


This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.


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