In June 1752, Benjamin Franklin set out on an experiment with a kite, metal key and a thunderstorm rolling in. While this experiment should not be replicated, it is one of the most famous scientific experiments in American history, and it played a pivotal role in understanding electricity.
National Electricity Day is observed annually on June 15 to commemorate Ben’s shocking experiment, its contribution to the electric industry and to raise awareness about the vital role electricity plays in our daily lives. It’s an opportunity to take time to appreciate the conveniences electricity provides and to teach about everyday outdoor electrical safety.
Tips for kids
First and foremost, never fly kites during bad weather or anywhere near power lines. The same rules apply to drones and model airplanes. They should be flown only during good weather conditions in large open areas, like an open park or a wide field.
Keep these items away from overhead power lines and other electrical equipment, such as substations. If a kite gets stuck in a tree near power lines, do not climb up to get it. Electricity can travel down kite strings or wires. Do not attempt to free something stuck in a power line. Contact your electric utility for assistance.
Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch. Also, never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment is high voltage and could kill you.
Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment. These are often green metal “boxes” on cement pads and contain transformers.
Never go into an electric substation. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment; even raising your hand inside one can cause an arc that may cause an electric shock. Never attempt to retrieve a pet, ball or any toy from these areas. Call your electric utility instead.
If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter immediately. There is no safe place outdoors during severe weather.
Protection outdoors and around water
Protect all family members from serious shock and injuries by installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and in interior rooms where water is present. A GFCI shuts off power instantly if it detects a problem. Use portable GFCIs for outdoor outlets that don’t have them. GFCIs are affordably priced and found at hardware stores.
Be careful using electrical appliances outdoors, even if plugged into GFCI-equipped outlets. Never use appliances with frayed or damaged extension cords and always be sure the ground prong is intact.
Teach kids to never touch an electric appliance while in a pool or hot tub, to keep all electrical appliances at least 10 feet away from pools, ponds and wet surfaces, and that it is never safe to swim in a pool or lake when a storm is brewing.
Downed power lines
Make sure your family members know to stay away from downed power lines and wires and tell children to report any fallen or dangling wires to an adult.
Downed power lines are dangerous; always assume any power line is energized and stay far away. Call 911 to report a downed power line. The dispatcher will contact the local electric utility to fix the issue.
For more information about electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
