As warmer days draw families outside, make it a priority to talk to your children about playing safe and staying away from electrical safety hazards.
Here are some safety tips from Hydro One:
- Make sure kids understand that they need to obey warning signs and keep away from outdoor areas marked “Danger” or “Danger High Voltage.” No one should ever attempt to enter a station.
- Remind them that before they climb a tree, they must to look up to make sure there are no hydro wires running through or beside it.
- Point out overhead power lines and wires so that the kids know where they are and stay clear of them. Never try to touch any overhead lines with a pole or stick, since electricity can travel down the object and cause a shock that may result in serious injury or death.
- Take them to a wide open space free of electrical lines to fly kites, balloons and toy aircraft.
- Make sure kids know to respect utility electrical equipment and never touch or climb poles, towers or metal transformer boxes.
- During a lightning storm, teach them to get inside a building or car and to avoid wide open spaces, pools, splash pads and trees.
- Ensure your kids keep electrical cords and appliances away from water.
- Keep emergency numbers on hand and remind children to always call 911 in case of an emergency. Don’t touch someone in a state of electrical shock until the electricity has been turned off.
