Electrical Safety Lessons for Kids

August 1, 2022

Keep it safe

Kids love to climb trees and fly kites in the summer, but both activities should take place away from power lines.

Electricity plays a major role in our everyday lives, and is a powerful resource that should be respected. Unfortunately, children often do not understand the dangers of electricity.

Wells Rural Electric Company encourages you to share electrical safety tips and lessons with your little ones as often as possible. We understand their attention spans run short, so here is a creative way to get them involved.

Depending on the age of your child, consider designating an “electronics deputy.” The deputy should be responsible for pointing out electronics in your home that are not in use and keeping appliances safe from liquids. Reward your deputy for pointing out overloaded outlets or other potentially dangerous situations.

While it is fun and engaging to turn safety into a game, it is important to ensure your children understand the risks they face if they do not practice electrical safety.

One of the most important safety tips you can give your kids is to avoid downed power lines. In fact, it is best to avoid power lines, transformers and substations in general.

A downed power line can still be energized, and it can also energize other objects, including fences and trees. Make sure your kids understand the potential dangers of coming in contact with a downed power line or low-hanging wire. If they encounter a downed power line, ask them to tell you or another adult to call 911.

Here are a few other safety tips you can share with your kids:

  • Do not stick fingers, forks or other tools into electrical sockets.
  • Be careful not to overload an outlet.
  • Check for frayed cords.
  • Unplug a toaster before using a fork or your fingers to remove bread.
  • Do not pour water on an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher.
  • Know where buried electrical cables are before digging. Call 811 first to be sure.
  • Make sure ladders, kite string or anything you are using does not come in contact with power lines.
  • Do not climb trees that have branches in contact with power lines.
  • Water and electricity don’t mix. Do not use electrical appliances near water.