Kids & Electricity

Kites and power lines create a dangerous mix. To make sure your youngsters’ kites fly safely, remind them of a few simple rules:

• Choose a flying site will away from an air field, road, or railway track.
• Never fly a kite near overhead power cables or lines of any kind. If your kite gets caught in overhead lines, do not try to remove it yourself. Contact MVEA or seek help from your local authorities.
• Do not fly in a thunderstorm. The kite could act as a lightening conductor (remember Ben Franklin?). Being struck by lightning could cause serious injury or death.
• Avoid flying over the heads of other people or animals as this could cause them alarm, or worse yet, injury. If people walk under your kite, they may be unaware of the dangers. To avoid any problems, fly your kite up to the top of the wind and wait for them to move out of danger.

MVEA wants all kite flyers to have fun, but keep it safe out there!

ABC's of Electric Safety

When it comes to power, it's important to mind your Ps and Qs and all the other letters of alphabet. So, here are the ABC's of electric safety.

• Appliance cords:
  Appliance cords should be out of the way of foot traffic. Also, they should not be under furniture legs or rugs.
• Beware:
  Beware of places that have "Danger: High Voltage" signs and other warnings on them.
• Clean:
  Remember to keep the workshop clean and dry. Sparks from power tools can ignite wood scraps, sawdust and solvents.
• Downed power lines:
  If you see a power line that has fallen to the ground, stay away from it. Call your electric cooperative right away.
• Extension cords:
  Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis and not as permanent household wiring.
• Frayed wires:
  These wires are dangerous. If you notice any in your home, they should be repaired or replaced by a professional at once.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters:
  CFCIs shut off power in time to prevent serious shock. GFCIs should be tested monthly.
• Hit the ground:
  Although you should seek shelter if you're caught outside in a lightning storm, if there's no place in sight, hit the ground. Drop to your knees and bend forward with your hands on your knees. Don't lie flat on the ground.
• Insulators:
  Don't shoot or throw anything at electrical insulators.
• Jump:
  If a car you're in hits a power line, stay inside the car unless it catches fire. If it does, jump clear of the car without touching the metal and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away, keeping both feet on the ground.
• Kites:
  Never fly kites near overhead power lines.
• Ladders:
  Make sure ladders, antennas and other tall metal objects don't come in contact with electric lines.
• Metal:
  Metal conducts electricity. Therefore, metal objects should not be inserted into an appliance without first disconnecting the appliance.
• Nine-one-one (911):
  If your community has 911 services, call it immediately if you come across someone who has been shocked or if there is an electrical fire.
• Overload:
  Avoid overloading outlets, and never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit.
• Plugs:
  Don't pull plugs from electrical outlets by the cord. Use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Yanking or tugging on the cord can damage its wire and insulation and could lead to an electrical shock or fire.
• Quickly:
  Act quickly if you see someone who has been shocked. Don't touch the person if he is still in contact with the power source. Unplug the equipment first, then call 911 or the emergency number.
• Respect:
  Respect the power of electricity.
• Swimming pool:
  If it's storming outside, it's no time to be swimming. Get out of the pool.
• Trees:
  Don't climb trees if they are near power lines.
• Unplug:
  Unplug small electrical appliances and toys when you're not using them.
• Vandalism:
  Vandalizing power lines or equipment can knock out power to homes and businesses, and it can kill or injure you.
• Water:
  Water and electricity don't mix. Don't leave appliances plugged in where they might come in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, never reach in to pull it out, even if it's turned off. Unplug it first.
• eXtinguishers:
  Make sure your home is equipped with a class C fire extinguisher and smoke detectors.
• Youngsters:
  Keep an eye out for young kids. Use protective covers on unused outlets within a toddler's reach.
• Zap:
  You don't want to get zapped! That's why it's important to play it safe around electricity.