Teaching kids about electrical safety: Part 2

Pad-mounted transformers like the one in this photo are essential to providing reliable energy to homes and businesses. But they can be a hazard to children who might see them as a neighborhood plaything.

Common items that, to adults, are clearly hazardous may go completely unnoticed to the innocent and imaginative minds of children. In fact, these hazards can even appear enticing and fun to youngsters. So it is a good idea for parents to regularly point out to their children the electrical equipment and infrastructure that is all around them, explain what these items are and how it can pose a possible danger to children.

We recommend teaching children to follow these rules: 

  • Never climb trees near overhead power lines.  Even if the power lines are not actually touching the tree, they could come in contact when weight is added to a branch. 
  • Safety with kites, drones, balloons and model airplanes.  Keep your skies clear and your feet on the ground. Only fly kites, drones, and model planes in wide-open parks away from power lines. Never release helium balloons into the air where they can potential drift into power infrastructure. If you see any of these things get stuck in a tree or a wire near electrical equipment, leave it alone. Never attempt to free something stuck in a power line yourself. Stay safe and call OPD5 for help: in Mesquite at 702-346-5710 or in Overton at 702-397-2512. 
  • Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through these structures is high voltage and could kill you. 
  • Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment. These are metal “boxes” on cement pads that you are likely to find placed along the streetscapes of your neighborhood. Though these may seem commonplace, it’s important that kids know that they are not playthings. These boxes contain electrical transformers and could be hazardous. 
  • Stay away from downed power lines. Kids should know that downed power lines are dangerous. They should be taught to always assume any downed power line is energized and to stay far away. If they encounter a downed power line, kids should immediately go tell an adult who can call us at OPD5 to report the problem.  
  • Steer clear of the home breaker box.  Teach children that the breaker box is a high-voltage danger zone, not a toy. Label it clearly as off-limits, explain that only qualified adults handle electricity, and be sure it is clear that they should never play near it. 
  • Never go into an electric substation.  Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment; even raising your hand inside one could cause an arc that may bring a serious electric shock. Never attempt to retrieve a pet, ball or any toy from these areas. Instead, call OPD5 for help. 
  • Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Teach kids never to touch an electric appliance while in a pool, bath or hot tub. In fact, all electrical appliances should be kept at least ten feet away from pools, ponds, and wet surfaces. 
  • Immediately seek shelter if lightning or thunder is present while playing outdoors. 

By taking the time to walk through these guidelines with your children, you are equipping them with the ultimate tool for outdoor play: awareness. With a little guidance, your kids can safely navigate their surroundings while keeping the imaginative fun alive. 

Remember, keeping our community’s littlest explorers safe is a team effort. So if you ever spot an electrical hazard out there, or need assistance with tangled toys or downed lines, don’t hesitate to reach out to OPD5 for help. We are willing to do whatever it takes to help keep your family safe around local electrical infrastructure.

To read part 1 of this series go to https://opd5.com/teaching-kids-about-electrical-safety/.