Children are curious by nature. But a little curiosity about
things can sometimes be hazardous. Stay safe by learning more about electricity
and natural gas — visit our School
Educational Portal. The portal also contains
order forms for materials, teacher guides, tests and more.
Indoor Electric Safety Tips
Teach your kids not to poke things
into electrical outlets, toasters, or any other appliances, on or off. Use
plug covers or inserts in all your outlets. They're available in almost any
home supply store.
Move appliances to the back of
counters, and keep electrical cords away from areas where kids can reach.
Teach kids that electricity and water never mix. Keep all radios, hair dryers
and other appliances secured or out of bathrooms. And remember to set a good
example.
Make it a habit to unplug small
appliances when they're not in use, and push them to the back of your counters.
And make sure you use all three prongs of your electric plugs, and replace
worn or frayed cords immediately. Never force a plug into an outlet if it
doesn't fit, and never nail or tack cords to walls or floors.
Outdoor Electric Safety Tips
Electricity can travel down kite
strings or wires. Teach your children never to fly kites or balloons near
any power lines. Accidents can shock, or start fires.
Make sure kids know that if their
toys or other objects get caught in electrical equipment, they should leave
them and find an adult to help. Balls or other objects tossed or falling into
an electrical substation should be left. Call Dominion or the utility involved
and have a utility employee retrieve the item.
Teach your kids to recognize "Danger"
signs, and not to climb in trees if power lines pass through or near it. And
tell them that pad-mounted transformers, those metal cabinets on concrete
pads are not safe places to play.
Downed power lines are big trouble
for kids, too. Teach your children to stay well away from them, and to call
911 immediately. Make sure they always assume that any power line is fully
charged and is not turned off.
