As temperatures increase and sunny days abound, it is easy to be footloose and fancy free. As you spend more time outdoors, keep these safety tips in mind to have a great summer:

When Playing & Balloons:  When flying drones, remote-controlled planes, toys or kites, fly them in a wide-open area free from overhead power lines. If a toy or object gets stuck in an overhead power line, do not try to remove it. Instead, call your electric utility and a crew will address the issue safely. Ensure that overhead power lines do not run through or over a tree before your child starts to climb. Also, please remember that balloons can cause issues when coming in contact with power lines. Especially dangerous are metallic balloons, because when metallic balloons come in contact with power lines, they can cause electrical faults, which can cause power outages, equipment failures and can even cause lines to fall to the ground. This can result in property damage, fires and even injury or death from electrocution.

Pools & Hot Tubs:  Before opening your pool or hot tub for the season, ensure there is ground fault circuit interrupter protection on underwater lighting circuits, as well as for lighting around pools, hot tubs and spas. Have your pool’s electrical system inspected. Faulty wiring can cause swimmers to experience electric shock drowning.

Boating & Swimming:  When boating or swimming, know that faulty wiring can cause the water to become energized. Never go swimming near boats plugged into shore power or docks with an electrical source. Energized water can cause electric shock drowning.

While Recreating:  According to the National Lightning Safety Council, approximately 440 people are struck and killed by lightning each year. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths occurred while enjoying outdoor leisure activities — 33% of the fatalities occurred during water-related activities such as boating, spending time on the beach and swimming, while 14% happened during sporting activities such as fishing, soccer and running.

During a Storm:  When angry clouds roll in, take them seriously. Have a weather app installed on your phone to inform you of weather alerts. Lightning can occur up to 10 miles away from the heart of the storm, so if you hear thunder, take cover. A watch means that conditions are likely for severe weather to develop; a warning means take action.

Source: SafeElectricity.org