Back 2 School Safety: Teaching children about the dangers of electricity

(KUTV) -- As students brush up on classroom rules after a summer of fun, there is one rule that is often overlooked.

Rocky Mountain Power is encouraging parents to remind their children about electrical safety.

“Since electricity is so commonplace in our lives, it’s important to frequently reinforce safety messages to kids,” Tom Davis, Rocky Mountain Power safety director, said in a news release.

Rocky Mountain Power has given the following safety recommendations to keep children, and adults, out of possibly life-threatening situations:

• NEVER plug too many things into one outlet or extension cord. This could damage the electrical system in a home or even cause a fire.
• DON'T use electrical appliances or electronics near water, like in bathrooms or kitchens.
• LOOK out for power lines before climbing a tree. Wood is a great conductor of electricity, and it can go right through a tree branch and you.
• NEVER climb a fence around a electrical substation. If a ball, pet or other belonging gets inside of the fence, call Rocky Mountain Power. They will be able to return the item safely to you.
• DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall. Pulling on a cord that is plugged into an electrical outlet can damage the appliance, the plug or outlet.
• FIND locations that are very far away from power lines or substations to fly your kite. Getting the kite or string caught in a power line may conduct electricity, which will send it straight down to you.
• PUT safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. Covering outlets will also help stop cold drafts in the winter.

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