The days are getting warmer and the evenings are getting longer. Summer is one of the best times to be a kid. One way you can help your kids have good memories of outdoor play in the summer is to make sure they’re aware of electrical safety, says Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

Electrical equipment is all around us, and it’s perfectly safe … as long as we keep our distance. Kids are curious by nature, and they don’t always recognize the hazards posed by electric power lines and electrical equipment such as transformers and substations. Just as parents teach their children not to play with fire, they should point out other dangers that may be nearby.

One of the most important pieces of advice parents can provide their children is to never climb on to or touch power lines, transformers, or substations. They all handle high-voltage electricity and coming into contact with any of them could cause serious injury or even death.

In order to keep kids safe this summer, we recommend you share this advice with your children:

• Do not climb trees that are close to power lines, because they could conduct electricity.
• When flying kites or model airplanes, or playing with balloons, do so in an open space that’s far from power lines. If a toy or kite gets tangled in the lines, do not attempt to recover it. Instead, call Indiana Electric Cooperatives or your local power provider.
• Never throw shoes or other items onto power lines. Heavy items can cause a weak spot in the line to snap, exposing anyone nearby to a live line.
• If a pet goes into a substation or a toy accidentally ends up in there, do not attempt to recover it on your own. Call Indiana Electric Cooperatives or your local power provider, because only trained employees are permitted to enter substations.
• Keep electricity and water at a safe distance from one another. That includes keeping radios, CD players, and other electrical equipment at least 10 feet from any swimming pools or ponds. Do not use electrical devices outdoors if it starts to rain.
• If children hear thunder while playing outside, they should immediately move indoors. Lightning can strike many miles away from a storm, and hearing thunder means they’re within its range.
• Never hang or tie anything on a utility pole, such as a balloon or a sign. Nails and other objects used to attach things to poles pose an injury hazard to co-op linemen.

It’s also important to make sure that everyone in the family knows that they need to stay away from downed power lines and wires. Downed lines should be reported by calling 911 or your electric power provider right away. Remind your children to stay at least 20 feet away from the line, because the ground could be energized, as could any metal objects near the line.

Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Informing your children about electrical safety can reduce hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage.

SOURCES: Commonwealth Edison, EHS Today, Oncor (Texas), Texas Co-op Power, Western Massachusetts Electric.