The last day of school, kids burst free from the bonds of the classroom and scurry toward a summer full of excitement and energy. It’s a time of change. The sun is out, pools go up in backyards, sparklers light the future and the world becomes one big adventure land. For kids, it’s also a time of danger. For parents, it’s a time for vigilance.
• Electricity. Electrical wires are all around us, above and below, and coming into contact can have deadly consequences. Kids see the green transformer box sitting on a lawn as a space ship, a mountain, a base for their game of tag, and not for what it is — a dangerous piece of equipment housing high voltage power lines. Parents should explain the danger lurking inside these boxes and remind kids to stay away.
Overhead wires are often uninsulated. Kites and balloons caught in these high wires can conduct electricity and create hazards. Encourage children to fly kites and remote control toys in open fields, away from power lines. Lines running through trees can look like a branch to a kid concentrating on climbing. Remind them to always look up first and if there are power lines nearby, to choose a different tree.
Broken wires on the ground may not spark, but both children and adults should always assume they’re energized and dangerous. Never approach a power line. If you see a line down, or a tree in or on a power line, call the utility at 360-992-3000 so we can fix it quickly and safely. If there’s a fire or injury, call 911.
• Electronics. Smaller children are at risk of knocking or pulling over TVs and computer equipment, which can fall and hurt them. However, roughhousing older kids can be hurt also. Nearly 13,000 kids are hurt each year by falling TV sets. Tip-overs account for more than $8 million in emergency room care for those 18 and under. And nearly 70 percent of the children hurt by tip-overs are under five. Remember to secure your electronic devices so they can’t be pulled over by the cords or tipped over.
Handheld devices are also dangerous. They can be distracting when used while walking, and anything with a cord or batteries should only be played with far away from water.
• Heat. Of course sunscreen is important when playing outdoors. But with hotter than normal summers becoming a trend in our area, parents also need to keep kids protected indoors.
Blocking sun from coming in windows and using indoor fans or energy-efficient portable air conditioners can help keep it cool inside without sending the electric bill sky high. If the home gets too hot, seek out a cool space like a public library or community center to stay safe in extreme heat.
Open windows result in injuries from falls every year. Letting air circulate by creating a cross breeze is a good, low-cost way to cool down your home, but when there are small children around, safety is key. Screens aren’t strong enough to prevent falls so make sure that open windows aren’t accessible to young ones.
• Fireworks. This time of year, there’s lots of excitement about celebrating independence, especially among kids. But fire is a real danger in the summer, including fireworks. Always have a supervising adult nearby to direct fireworks and ensure safety, even when children are older. And take care to keep your lawn and shrubs watered so stray sparks won’t start a fire.
Accidents do happen but knowing about the potential dangers surrounding electricity, electronics, heat and fire is a step parents and guardians can take to guide children through the summer without avoidable injuries.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
