Electrical Safety and Your Children
Editor’s Note: May is North Carolina Safety Month and Blue Ridge Electric is providing safety tips to help area residents work and play more safely, especially as outdoor activities increase as the weather warms up.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Lenoir, North Carolina (May 26, 2004) – In the warm summer months, children are prone to roam the neighborhood and find different ways to occupy their time. Whether climbing trees or exploring a creek, electrical hazards can pose a threat to your child’s playtime. You can take an active role in keeping your children safe by taking the time to explain to them a few things about electrical utilities when they are outdoors.
Point out to your children the location of overhead power lines, underground power lines, substations and transformers so they know to avoid them. Also point out that transformers have a large yellow or orange label that shows it is an electrical hazard, so that whenever they see this sticker, they will keep their distance.
Teach your children to stay away from “DANGER” signs near substations and high voltage towers. They may be tempted to climb the fence, but these signs will warn them that it is not safe.
Don’t allow your children to climb utility poles or trees that are in contact with wires or power lines because there is a potential for an accident to occur. If your child sees a downed power line, tell them to alert a grown-up right away.
Teaching your children a few simple rules about electrical safety will help them to avoid accidents during their outdoor playtime and promote a safe summer.
Blue Ridge Electric is a member-owned electric cooperative serving some 66,000 members in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties.
