It’s back to school season. After a great summer, we could all use a refresher course on electrical safety. Here are a few reminders to keep your children and your family safe as you settle into your school year routine. 

Electrical Safety Tips at Home:

• Never insert anything except an electrical plug into an electrical outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets and power cords as this could spark a fire.
• Inspect extension cords and power cords. If damaged or if wiring is exposed, throw cord away.
• Keep cords away from water and heat sources.
• Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to avoid a shock or fire risk and to reduce energy use.

Electrical Safety Tips While Outside:

• Don’t play on or around power poles and poles lines. This including climbing trees near electrical equipment.
• Keep away from green transformer boxes in neighborhoods or on streets while waiting for the bus. You could get shocked.
• If you or your child drives to and from school, obey all traffic laws especially while in school zones and where our I&M employees might be working.
• Walk around your vehicle in the morning to look for children or toys that could be in your driving path.
• If you’re in an accident involving a power pole or a downed wire, assume the power line is energized. Stay in your vehicle and call 911.

For more safety tips you can use all year long, click here.

We hope all students heading back to class -- and their families -- have a safe school year.