Summer Time Safety, June 12

Summer weather has arrived; and with warmer weather and longer days children are spending more time outdoors flying kites, climbing trees, playing ball and heading for playgrounds, open fields and parks. And jumping on trampolines if they get a chance. “Throwing things in the air, even yourself, is a natural part of youthful exuberance, but kids need to think about how close they are to power lines whether they are doing somersaults on a trampoline, tossing a ball around or remodeling a tree house,” said Gene Morris, Pacific Power’s director of health, safety and environment. “Keep an eye out for equipment on the ground as well. It may seem like a good place for hide and seek, but everyone needs to give this equipment a wide berth.” Pacific Power offers the following tips to enjoy a safe summer: * Ensure trampolines are never placed under power lines. * Check trees for overhead wires running near or through limbs and branches before climbing or building tree houses. Walk a full circle around the tree; if lines are present, do not climb the tree. * Never climb an electrical substation fence or wall, or attempt to enter a substation, even if a ball made it over the fence. High-voltage electrical equipment located in substations can be very dangerous, and only trained and authorized Pacific Power personnel are allowed inside. * Never poke, pry or climb on tan or green ground transformer boxes. They’re safe while sealed, but pose a threat if tampered with. * Fly kites away from overhead power lines. If a kite becomes tangled in electrical wires, immediately let go of the string and make no attempt to remove the kite. Call Pacific Power toll free at 1-888-221-7070. For additional electrical safety tips or to request a free “Power Lines – Stay Away to Stay Safe” brochure, call toll free at 1-800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.