November 7, 2024

Oftentimes, when the topic of electronics and children comes up, the conversation gravitates toward the pros and cons of screen time or maybe trading tips on the best educational apps. However, an often-overlooked topic is how to talk to children about the potential safety hazards associated with electronics, sources of electricity, and their environment in general. As soon as children can walk, parents and caregivers should discuss with them how to be safe around electricity, both inside the home and when playing outdoors.

Outdoor Tips

• Do not touch or go near a sagging or downed power line. Instead, tell an adult to call the electric utility to report it.
• Fly balloons, kites, model airplanes, remote-control flying toys, and drones in large, open areas, such as parks or fields, far away from power lines. If any of these items (or any item or object) gets caught in a power line, never try to retrieve it. Tell an adult to call the electric utility for help.
• Never fly kites or other toys when a thunderstorm may be approaching.
• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment could kill you.
• Never go into an electric substation for any reason. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Never rescue a pet or retrieve a ball or toy that goes inside the fenced area surrounding a substation. Tell an adult to call the electric utility instead.
• Always stay away from outdoor electrical equipment marked "keep out," "high voltage," or "danger."
• Do not play, sit, or climb on a padmount transformer, a.k.a. green box. (Note to adults: While green boxes are typically safe to be around, it is better to leave this equipment alone just in case the box has become unlocked or vandalized or the box or its contents have become damaged in some way -- by a roadside accident or by unwelcomed varmints or ants, for example). Please call us to report an unlocked cabinet or any signs of damage.)

Indoor Tips

• Outlet covers and tamper-resistant outlets protect curious hands from electrical dangers. Consider using them if infants and toddlers are present.
• Do not play with electrical cords or plugs.
• Younger children should ask an adult before plugging in or unplugging something. In addition, never pull or tug on cords. Instead, gently pull the plug out of the wall by grasping the plug (and not the cord).
• Do not touch or use cords that appear damaged.
• Never stick toys, utensils, tools, paperclips, fingers, tongues, or other body parts or objects into electrical outlets or light sockets.
• Keep cords away from heat and water.
• Never play with or use electronic toys or gadgets in the bathtub or other water.
• Never touch appliances, switches, outlets, sockets, cords, or plugs with wet hands or while standing in water. Parents and caregivers should keep towels near bathroom and kitchen sinks so little hands can be dried right after they are washed.
• Never sleep with phones, tablets, or other electronics in the bed or under a pillow. The electronic device can overheat or experience a short in the charging cable, causing bedding to catch on fire, burns to the skin, or electric shock.

Many electrical injuries and fires can be prevented. It is never too early or too late to start talking about electrical safety with your children and loved ones.

For more information about electrical safety, visit SafeElctricity.org.

Photos and article courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.