May is Electric Safety Month 1. How often should smoke alarms in your home be tested? A. Once a week B. Twice a year C. Once a month * DON‛T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord. It could damage the electrical system in your house or even cause a fi re. *DO ask an adult for help when you need to use something that uses electricity. *DON‛T ever play near or on a green transformer box or climb the fence around an electrical substation. If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask an adult to call your electric cooperative - they‛ll come and get it out for you. *DON‛T yank a power cord from the wall. Instead, pull from the plug. Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet. *DO watch out for power lines when using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment. *DON‛T fl y anything like drones or kites near power lines or substations. A kite and its string may conduct electricity - sending it right through you to the ground. *DO make sure all power cords are tucked out of the way. Pets might chew on cords, and people might trip and fall. *DO look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree. The electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right through you. *DO have an adult put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. * DO keep anything that uses electricity away from water. Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water. 2. An electric fi re hazard is created when you overload electrical outlets and power strips. A. True B. False 3. The most dangerous place to use electricity is ______________________. A. Outdoors B. Near other electrical equipment C. Near water 4. Is it safe to run a power cord under a rug or carpet as long as the cord is not damaged? A. Yes B. No 5. It is safe to play near ____________. A. Power lines B. Pad-mounted transformers C. Neither, both are dangerous Answer Key: 1. C 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. C