Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

• DO ask a grown up to put safety covers on outlets if there are little kids in the house.
• DO unplug hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling irons when you’re done with them.
• DO remind your parents to look up and look out for powerlines if they’re working in the yard with a ladder or trimming trees. They should also call the electricity company before they dig holes to build a deck or a fence.
• DON’T stick anything into electrical outlets, into the end of an extension cord, or into electrical stuff that’s plugged in. (your mom is right, never stick a knife into a toaster!)
• DON’T plug too many cords into an outlet. Even using adapters to add cords can still cause overloads and fires. Ask your parents to buy a proper power bar.
• DON’T use any cords that look cracked, pinched, have loose plugs or look worn out. Never use cords that heat up when they’re plugged in even if they look okay otherwise.
• DON'T yank the cord from an outlet -- it can damage your electronic stuff or the outlet or both.
• DON’T touch outlets or switches if the cover is missing or broken.
• DON’T plug anything into an outlet if there’s water on the floor or counter near it.
• DON’T use hair dryers, radios, or any other electrical stuff in or near water – like the sink, tub or shower.
• DON’T play near any power lines or electrical equipment like the green boxes you see in lawns or fields.
• DON’T get on any roof to play or to get a ball or toy if it lands up there. Powerlines usually attach to a house near the roof. If you touch one, it could kill you.
• DON’T fly kites near powerlines, ever. 
• DON’T climb trees near powerlines – tree branches can hide them. Remember, electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right through you!
• DON’T climb hydro poles or the fences around electrical stations – even if your ball goes in there. Get a parent to call the hydro company – they can help get it out.

Electrical Safety Tips for Parents:

• DO replace broken cover plates right away – remember to turn the power off at the panel and use a tester to confirm the power is off.
• DO childproof wall outlets to help avoid accidents.
• DO use an approved power bar that has surge protection and is protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
• DO look up and look out for overhead powerlines in your yard and in your community. Stay at least three meters away – and that includes your ladder and tree pruner.
• DO read the rest of ESA’s electrical safety tips on how to stay safe at work, at home and in your community. 
• DON’T remove the third prong (the grounding pin) of a plug.