Electricity is all around you. It’s the most common energy source, and it’s very powerful. Contact with electricity is dangerous and can cause electrical shock, burns or even death if the shock is severe.
Conductors are things that carry (conduct) electricity easily, including:
- Metal
- Water and wet things
- Tree
- People
Nonconductors (insulators) do not carry electricity, including:
- Glass
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Porcelain
- Clean, dry wood
Steer Clear of Electrical Power Equipment
- Transmission line towers carry electricity above the ground.
- Substations help reduce the amount of electricity before it enters homes. They are often fenced in.
- Pad-mounted transformers are sometimes used for underground wiring. These are locked metal cabinets on cement pads.
- Utility poles and power lines carry electricity into homes.
- Insulators and transformers are found on many poles. Insulators keep the electricity in the power lines, and transformers reduce the amount of electricity.
- Meters and other electrical equipment can be located on the outside of homes or buildings. Meters measure the amount of electricity used.
Play it Safe Outdoors
- Fly kites, model planes, balloons and other toys in open spaces, such as fields or parks.
- Use only non-conducting materials for kites, such as plastic; paper; clean, dry wood; and string.
- Never use wire, metal or foil.
- Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if a toy gets caught in power lines. Call your electric utility.
- Don’t fly toys in the rain or in a storm.
- Don’t release metallic balloons outside. They can conduct electricity.
- Never play on or near power equipment.
- Never touch any outdoor wires, or anything touching them, with your body or any object.
- Call Diggers Hotline (800-242-8511) before digging in your yard.
- Watch out for overhead wires when you’re around trees, or if you’re using a ladder, pool skimmer or any other long object.
- Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires run through or near it. Your weight may cause a branch to touch a wire.
- Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
- Protect outdoor electrical outlets with weatherproof covers and GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to protect against shock. Indoor outlets near water sources should also have GFCIs.
- Don’t touch or use damaged plugs and cords on electrical appliances and fixtures.
- Make sure tools and appliances are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier wiring, and special insulation or three-way grounded plugs.
Stay safe Indoors, too.
- Never put your finger or anything other than an electrical plug or safety cap in an outlet.
- Pull by the plug, not the cord, when unplugging an appliance. Be alert for damaged plugs and cords.
- Limit the number of appliances plugged into each outlet.
- Unplug small electrical appliances and toys when you’re not using them.
- Don’t use electrical appliances when you’re wet, have wet hands or are standing in water.
Hotline Safety Demonstrations
Hotline Safety Demonstrations can be a valuable way to learn about the hazards of electricity. Taylor Electric Cooperative will gladly provide an informative demonstration for your school group or organization. Request HOTLINE SAFETY DEMONSTRATION by contacting Taylor Electric at taylrec@taylorelectric.org or 715-678-2411
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