Blue Ridge Electric Offers Safety Tips for Your Children
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 (August 9, 2004) – During warm weather, children are prone to roam the neighborhood and find different ways to occupy their time. Whether climbing trees or exploring a creek, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation wants you to know that electrical hazards can pose a threat to a child’s playtime.
Parents can take an active role in keeping their children safe by taking the time to explain to them a few things about electrical utilities they need to be aware of when they’re outdoors.
Point out to your children the location of overhead power lines and any known underground power lines as well as substations and transformers and let them know to avoid them. Also point out that transformers have a large yellow or orange label indicating it’s an electrical hazard and let them that whenever they see this sticker, they should keep their distance.
Teach your children to stay away when they see “DANGER” signs near substations and high voltage towers. They may be tempted to climb the fence, but let them know these signs warn them that it’s 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 a fatal accident to occur. And if your child sees a downed power line, tell them to never touch a downed line and 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.
Blue Ridge Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative serving some 67,000 members in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties. For more safety tips, check out www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.
