Outdoor Safety
Electricity always tries to yet to get to the ground. If you get in the way, electricity can go through you to get there. Contact with electricity can cause:

	Electrical shock - this is when electrical current passes through the body. Even a small shock can be frightening and painful.
	Burns - electrical current can burn the skin, nerves, muscles and tissues in the body.
	Death - A severe electrical shock can cause problems with a person's breathing and heartbeat, possibly leading to death.

Remember - electricity is very safe as long as you are careful and respect it.

Ways to be safe outdoors
Never touch any outdoor wires with your body or any object. It is important to know that:

	Outdoor wires may not be covered with insulating material to protect you. In other cases, the weather may have damaged the insulation.
	Birds can sit on wires because they are not "grounded" (no part of them touching the ground). Remember, electricity is always seeking a path to ground
	Lineworkers wear special clothing and use special equipment to protect them when working on power lines and other equipment.

Remember these outdoor tips when playing with kites, model planes or balloons

	Stay away from electric wires and anything that touches them. Fly your kite or model plane in an open space, such as a field or park.
	Use only nonconducting materials to make a kite. Use plastic, paper, wood and string. Be sure your kite does not contain wire, metal or foil.
	Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if your toy gets caught in power lines. Call your electric utility if you need help.
	Do not fly toys in the rain or in a storm. Wet strings or wires can attract electricity.
	Do not release metallic balloons outside. They are dangerous conductors of electricity.

 
More ways to be safe outdoors

	Watch out for overhead wires when you are around trees or if you are using a ladder, pool skimmer or any long object.
	Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires turn through it or near it. Even if wires are not touching the tree, they could touch after your weight is added to the branch.
	Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including; rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
	Make sure tools and appliances are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier wiring, special insulating and three-way grounded plugs.
	Be alert for damaged plugs and cords on outdoor electrical appliances and fixtures. Do not touch or use them if they are damaged. Outdoor electrical outlets should have weatherproof covers and GFCls (ground fault circuit interrupters) to protect against shock. Tell an adult if you notice a problem.
	Stay away from metal fences that are electrified to protect property or keep in animals. (Other metal fences could become electrified by a downed wire Be very careful, especially after a storm.)

For additional safety information visit the National Safety Council.