After a chilling winter, summertime is here!  Kids are enjoying summer vacation, the weather is warm, the grill is hot and the pools are cool.  Time to make sure our children and family members remember to have fun and be safe at the same time. 
    Children often do not understand the dangers of electricity.  Take some time to get down and view the surroundings from a child’s vantage point to locate possible hazards. 
    For safety outdoors, Safe Electricity recommends that children and adults follow these rules:
    • Stay away from electrical equipment on the ground and overhead. Never climb a utility pole or tower. Don’t play on or around pad-mounted electrical equipment.  Electrical power poles and utility equipment should never be used as a playground.
    • Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines aren't touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch.
    • Fly kites and model airplanes safely away from trees and overhead power lines. If a kite gets tangled in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Contact your electric utility for assistance.
    • Look up and around you. Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long metal tools like ladders and pool skimmers. 
    • Water and electricity never mix!  Keep electronics like radios away from pools and hot tubs, and watch for overhead power lines when cleaning pools, sailing or fishing.  Never install pools underneath or near power lines.
    • Never touch an electrical appliance if you are wet; always dry off completely.
    Summer can signal an increase in accidents and injuries. Keep utility and emergency numbers close at hand.