O U A C H I TA E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
Power Play Simple safety lessons for a safer summer
22
MAY 2026
OUACHITA ELEC TRIC COOPERATIVE
CHANCE ALLMON
Children don’t always know the dangers of electricity and electrical equipment. With May recognized as Electrical Safety Month, it’s an ideal time to reinforce simple SHAWN DORFLINGER lessons that can help kids stay safe all summer long. MANAGER Young imaginations often turn the unfamiliar into something fun or inviting, which can make electrical equipment especially dangerous. Take time to point out overhead power lines, utility poles and other electrical equipment, and explain what they are and why they should be avoided. Teach children these important rules: • Never climb trees near power lines. Even if lines aren’t touching the branches, they can shift and make contact when weight is added. Teach children to stay away from big green metal boxes known as pad-mounted • Kites, drones and model airplanes should only be transformers that carry high-voltage electrical equipment. flown in good weather and in wide-open spaces such as parks or large fields. Keep them far from overhead power around. lines and substations. If a kite or toy becomes tangled near • Never enter an electric substation. High voltage power lines, never try to retrieve it. Electricity can travel equipment inside can cause severe shock, even without through strings or wires. direct contact. • Never climb a utility pole or tower. These structures • Seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard or carry high voltage electricity that can be deadly. lightning is seen while playing outdoors. • Stay away from pad-mounted electrical equipment. • Teach children never to touch electrical appliances These green metal boxes, often found on concrete pads, while in a pool or hot tub and to keep all electrical devices contain transformers and should never be played on or at least 10 feet away from water. Swimming during a storm is never safe. Protect your family by installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and in rooms where water is present. GFCIs shut off power instantly if a problem is detected and are affordable and widely available. Use caution with outdoor electrical appliances, even when plugged into GFCI outlets. Never use damaged extension cords and always keep the ground prong intact. Flooded areas are especially dangerous and may hide energized equipment or downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is energized. Stay far away and teach children to report fallen or hanging wires to an adult immediately. If you encounter a downed line, call 911 and keep others clear. At Ouachita Electric, safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to helping your family stay safe yearround.