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Top 10 Rules for Electric Safety

To play it safe around your home, just remember the rules for using electricity the right way.

Overloaded outlet

1. DON'T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord.

It could damage the electrical system in your house or even cause a fire.

Baby touching outlet

2. DO ask grown-ups to put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets.

Covering outlets will also help save energy by stopping cold drafts.

Man yanking cord from wall

3. DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall.

Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet.

Dog chewing on electrical cord

4. DO make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy.

Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall.

Grown-up plugging in cord

5. DO ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something that uses electricity.

Kid in tree near power line

6. DO look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree.

The electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right through you!

Kid climbing substation fence

7. DON'T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation.

If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call the electric company - they'll come and get it out for you.

Adult clibing ladder near power lines

8. DO remind your mom or dad to watch out for power lines when they're using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.

Electrical cord in water

9. DO keep electrical stuff far away from water.

Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.

Kid flying kite near power lines

10. DON'T fly a kite near power lines.

The kite and the string may conduct electricity - sending it right through you to the ground.



Test your safety smarts!

Now that you're done reading the rules, try these fun games to test your safety smarts:

Indoor electrical safety game

Outdoor electrical safety game

 

Fun stuff to print out

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

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

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

 

Links for teachers and parents:

Energy safety lesson plans

Energy safety activities

More online safety resources