Electric safety

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

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.
2. DO make sure all electric cords are tucked out of the way. Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall.
3. DON'T ever play near or on a green transformer box or climb the fence around an electrical substation. If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask an adult to call Alliant Energy or your electric company - they'll come and get it out for you.
4. DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall. Instead, pull from the plug. Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet.
5. DON'T fly anything like drones or kites near power lines or substations. A kite and its string may conduct electricity - sending it right through you to the ground.
6. DO ask an adult for help when you need to use something that uses electricity.
7. 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.
8. DO have an adult put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. Covering outlets will also help save energy by stopping cold drafts.
9. DO watch out for power lines when using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.
10. DO keep electrical stuff away from water. Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.

The human body is a good conductor of electricity. That means electricity flows easily through our bodies. Why? Because electricity moves quickly through water - and the human body is 70 percent water!

Another fact to remember is that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to the ground.

Overhead electric lines may cause serious injury or death if contacted. Maintain safe distances from electric lines at all times. Avoid using ladders, poles or other tools in situations where they may come in contact with overhead lines. Adults should call the electric company if they need to work near lines.

It's important to know the rules of electric safety so you don't get hurt.

• DO NOT TOUCH the victim because you might get shocked too.
• Find an adult right away.
• Turn off or unplug the circuit.
• Call 911 and be sure to tell the person who answers that someone has been involved in an electrical accident.
• If the accident happens near utility equipment like a power line or the green transformer boxes , keep others away and ask an adult to call 911 right away.

Even if a person seems OK after getting a mild shock, it's important to always go the hospital or see a doctor. 

Electricity burns from the inside out, so some injuries might not be easy to see. The heart and other internal organs can be affected several hours after the accident.

Downed electric lines may cause serious injury or death if contacted. All downed lines, including telephone and cable television lines, must be considered energized and therefore, should be avoided. Key steps to follow when you encounter a low hanging or downed power line: 

• Stay away; do not approach downed wires.
• Call 911 or your electric utility company.
• Keep other people away.
• If someone is in contact with the power line – Do NOT attempt to rescue them because you could become a victim as well.
• When first responders arrive, alert them to the situation.

Substations are fenced areas containing large electrical equipment. The electricity used in these substations is extremely dangerous. It can kill a person. Substations are marked with either “Danger” or “Warning High Voltage” signs.

NEVER enter a substation or go near the fence surrounding one. If you lose something into the substation area, like your pet, a ball or a kite, DO NOT climb the fence or enter the area. Have an adult call the electric company.