Safe not safe

This is Electrical Safety Month, a great time to teach children of all ages how to be smart around electricity. Do your kids know how to use electricity safely? Can they spot a dangerous situation? Test their knowledge using the fun

1. Plugging a lot of cords into the same outlet.

quiz below. Simply look at each situation and have them mark whether it is safe or unsafe. Then, talk to them about their answers and about potential risks posed by any of the situations.

2. Checking for power lines overhead before flying a kite or drone.

3. Unplugging something by pulling on the cord.

4. Keeping things that catch fire easily away from lamps and space heaters.

5. Turning off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

6. Sticking a fork into a wall outlet.

7. Asking an adult for help before plugging something into an outlet.

8. Using an electronic device or appliance near water.

1. Unsafe — Plugging too many cords into a single outlet could cause it to be overloaded, which could start a fire.

2. Safe — Check overhead and be sure you never fly a kite or drone near a power line. If a kite gets caught in overhead power lines, electricity can travel down the cord and potentially cause serious injury to whoever is holding it. Drones can cause power outages. Also, never climb trees close to utility poles.

3. Unsafe — Never unplug an electric device by pulling on the cord, as the cord could break and expose the wires inside. Touching an exposed wire could give you a painful shock! Ask an adult if you need help unplugging something.

4. Safe — Always keep toys, clothing, blankets and anything else that could catch fire away from space heaters and lamps. Don’t forget to turn off your space heater when you leave the room.

5. Safe — Turn off lights and other electric devices when you’re finished using them. A device plugged in too long can become overheated.

6. Unsafe — Each year about 2,400 children end up in the emergency room after suffering electrical shock or burns caused by inserting objects — paper clips, pens, screws, nails, forks, hairpins, coins and more — into electrical receptacles. Never play with a wall outlet. It could really hurt you.

7. Safe — If you are unsure how to charge an electric device, it is always best to ask a grownup for help.

8. Unsafe — Electronic devices and appliances like laptops, gaming systems, hair dryers and toasters can give you a dangerous electric shock if they touch water.

Remember, parents: Lessons about electrical safety start at home. At an early age, you can begin teaching children how to safely handle plugs, outlets, switches and electronic devices or appliances in their environment.

What your children learn now may save their life when they encounter potential hazards like downed power lines, a game of hide-and-seek behind those big metal electrical boxes or the temptation to climb a utility pole.

Supplement your conversations at home with free resources offered online by the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Visit esfi.org/kids-safety/be-smartabout-fire-electrical-safety for free kits, videos and interactive online tools that make learning and practicing electrical safety fun for the whole family. 

The Montgomery Youth Tour is far from your typical high school trip, and participants always say it’s more exciting than they ever expected. They gain meaningful insight into what it means to be a true leader, to make lasting friendships, and to learn more about cooperatives and our government.

Motivational speaker Cea Cohen Elliot talks about the importance of being true to yourself, accepting your flaws and striving to be the best you possible. Hearing from inspiring speakers is one of the many benefits of attending the Montgomery Youth Tour.

Making new friends, interacting with elected officials and touring historical places like the state Capitol are also important parts of the program. Fun interactive events take place each evening that include team-building challenges, financial education activities and a dinner/dance.

A favorite stop for most students is the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. The historical significance of this church is perfectly described by its tour director Wanda Battle. She has a unique and wonderful way of connecting with people of all ages. Students learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the church and his positive impact on the world during the Civil Rights Movement. One can’t help but feel uplifted and inspired by Battle’s presentation.