Why Electricity Is Dangerous

You've probably been shocked before - by static electricity, like when you walk across carpet and touch a doorknob.

But a real electric shock is a lot more painful than that, and a lot more dangerous. Here's what can happen:

• Muscles tighten up, making it almost impossible to pull away from the circuit.
• Lungs constrict, making it hard to breathe.
• Heartbeat is interrupted and blood vessels tighten.
• Burns occur where the electricity enters and leaves the body.

It sounds scary, and it is - but if you remember the safety rules, you can use electricity without getting hurt. 

Humans are good conductors

Did you know that the human body is a good conductor of electricity? That means that electricity flows easily through our bodies. Why? Because electricity moves quickly through water - and the human body is 70 percent water!

Another fact you need to remember is that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to the ground.

This picture shows what could happen if someone accidentally knocks a metal ladder against an unprotected power line:

• The ladder comes into contact with the energized power line.
• The electricity travels through the metal ladder to the man's hands.
• The electricity quickly moves through the ladder and the man's body, trying to find the easiest path to the ground.

The power lines around your home have a protective covering. But it’s only to protect the power line from weather - NOT to protect you from the electricity.

Accidents happen quickly

You might think that if you get shocked, you can pull away quickly and not get hurt. But electricity travels at the speed of light, so a person has almost no chance of pulling away.

And if the electricity is strong enough, it can cause the victim's muscles to tighten up so much he or she can't let go.

Anyone who touches someone who is being electrocuted can become part of the circuit as well. That's why you should never grab on to anyone who's been shocked.

Learn what to do if someone gets shocked

Fun stuff to print out

Alliant Energy Kids activity book
[PDF format - eight pages]

Make a Safety Comic Strip
[PDF format - one page]

Do an Energy Safety Survey
[PDF format - one page]

Links for teachers and parents:

Energy safety lesson plans

Energy safety activities

More online safety resources