102 Electrical Safety-Mid

Electrical Safety FOCUS Question How can people stay safe around electricity?

Electrifying Electricity is all around you. It buzzes through power lines high above your head. It flows through wires in the walls of your home. It powers appliances and your TV. Electricity is a type of energy. It forms when electrons move through matter. Electrons are tiny, negatively charged particles in atoms. The electrons jump from atom to atom. As they move, an electric current forms that can travel from place to place. This current has the power to make things move, heat things up, and light up the night. Unfortunately, electricity can be hazardous, too. If too much electricity moves through a person's body, it can be deadly.

Effects on Humans A conductor is any kind of matter through which electricity can easily travel. Metals, such as copper and silver, are good conductors. The electrons in metals can move easily from atom to atom to create an electric current. The human body is also a good conductor. That means electricity can easily flow through you. When you plug something into an outlet, the electricity flows through the metal wire in the cord. If you come in contact with electricity, the current will move through your body. The flowing charges could cause major damage along the way.

Avoid Power Lines Power lines carry electricity from power plants to our homes. To go the distance, electricity flowing through power lines must be high voltage. Voltage is the force that "pushes" electric current through power lines. High-voltage electricity is very dangerous and often deadly. A greater voltage means that more amperes, or amps, of current are flowing through the lines. Most power lines are high above the ground on poles or towers. If you fly a kite or climb a tree, be sure to look up first and keep far away from power lines. And if you ever see a power line that has fallen to the ground, stay far away and tell an adult! A downed power line may look harmless, but it is very dangerous.

Transformer Trouble Electrical substations are also part of the system that brings electricity to your home. They transfer high- voltage electricity from one set of power lines to another. Substations are very dangerous. Never climb the fence around them. If you lose a ball over the fence, call the power company to help you get it back. Substations also include transformers. These steel machines sit on concrete pads. Their job is to lower the voltage of electricity flowing through power lines. The voltage is lowered before it heads into homes or other buildings. The electricity within a transformer is powerful and hazardous. Stay clear of transformers!

Quick Home-Safety Tips While it's important to stay safe outdoors, most accidents with electricity happen at home. It's important to be careful around all electricity Here are some tips: Locate all the electrical outlets in your home. Make sure that nothing except a plug is touching them. Keep bedding and curtains away from outlets. Never put anything other than a plug into an outlet If you have younger brothers or sisters, talk to your parents about covering any unused outlets. with plastic safety plugs. Never leave liquids, such as juice or water, near computers, radios, or televisions. If they spill, you could get a shock and your machine might get fried. When a lightbulb goes out, ask an adult to change it— even if you can reach it yourself. Touching the socket can give you an electric shock. Never stick anything inside a plugged-in toaster, even if the bread is stuck. The coils inside could give you a terrible shock Always unplug it first.