As the weather begins to warm up, kids and adults alike will soon head outside to play and perform winter clean up.  Before you do, remember to look up and be alert for power lines and other electrical hazards, the best way to stay safe from electrocution — and even death.

For kids

Never fly a kite on a rainy day or anywhere but an open space.  A high point in the sky makes a kite a grounding point for lightning, and kites could easily become tangled in power lines.  If the kite is headed toward power lines, let go!

Don’t climb trees that are near power lines and poles — evergreens can disguise dangers this time of year.

Stay far away from power lines lying on the ground. You can’t tell if electricity is still flowing through them.

Obey signs that say “danger” and “keep out” around large electrical equipment like substations. These signs aren’t warnings; they’re commands to keep you safe. 

Never climb a power pole or play on pad mount transformers (those green boxes).

For adults

If power lines run through your trees, call Bartholomew County REMC. Professional tree trimmers with proper protective equipment can trim branches safely.

Remember that power lines and other utilities run underground, too.  Call 811 to have utility lines marked before you start digging.

Starting that winter cleanup yard work? Sweep dried leaves and debris from outdoor receptacles.

If they’re not already, consider upgrading your outdoor receptacles — or any outlets that could come in contact with water — to ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs immediately interrupt power flow when a plugged-in device comes in contact with water. Regardless, keep your outlets and cords dry and covered outside.

Use only weather-resistant, heavy-duty extension cords marked for outdoor use.

Don’t leave outdoor power tools unattended for curious children or animals to find.