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Keeping Kids Safe

Electrical safety is a top priority in everything we do at Duke Energy. Nowhere is this more important than when it comes to kids. Children don't always know - or remember - what can be dangerous, so it's up to the rest of us to watch out for their safety. Here are some important tips for keeping children safe.

• The No. 1 safety rule for anyone to remember is this: Don't touch a power line or anything that's touching the power line such as a tree limb, kite string or model airplane. No one can tell simply by looking at a line whether it is energized or not, and contact with a power line can be deadly. Electricity seeks the easiest path to reach the ground, and unfortunately, people are good conductors of electricity.
• Don't build tree houses in trees near electric lines.
• Don't allow children to climb trees growing near power lines.
• Teach children to get help from adults if they need to retrieve anything from a power line, or if they discover damaged or downed lines in the area.
• Don't allow children to climb on or even touch the green, pad-mounted transformers that are located in many neighborhoods.
• Keep children away from any ladders or work equipment being used by Duke Energy professionals. These items also have the potential to be dangerous.