MEMBERS ONLY“Recognize, Respect, Report” Presentation Notes

for Youth Audiences

SLIDE 1 Hello! My name is ________, and I work at __________. We work hard to provide electricity to this community, and we take safety very seriously. That’s why I’m here today. We’re going to talk about outdoor safety around electrical equipment.

SLIDE 2 Activity #1 (Start off with some questions to get the audience engaged.) Have you ever seen any of these green electrical boxes near your home or a

friend’s home? Has anyone ever explained to you what they are?(See if the group has anything else to share about what they already know about padmount transformers.)

SLIDE 3I’m going to play a video about two boys who were playing outside around these types of boxes and learned some very important lessons.Play the TLC “Recognize, Respect, Report” video: (6:21)

http://www.safeelectricity.org/component/content/article/2220https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F76fOau98q4

SLIDE 4In the video, we saw Aaron and Brett Studer learn an important lesson about electrical safety. While they were outside playing, they opened an electrical box, and when Aaron stuck a wet stick inside of it, there was an explosion. The boys were extremely lucky, but the mistake still resulted in nearby homes losing their power and Aaron suffering painful burns on his face. They are very fortunate that it didn’t end worse. The boys didn’t know the danger of getting into these boxes, but they hope that others will learn from their story and know how to stay safe.

SLIDE 5As you saw in the video, electrical boxes don’t all look exactly alike and contain different parts of the equipment needed to provide electricity to a home or business. You may have seen such boxes in your neighborhood or even your own backyard.

SLIDE 6Outdoor electrical boxes contain underground electrical wiring and equipment, like the overhead power lines.

SLIDE 7These boxes are safe if they remain locked, but as the Studer family found out, reaching inside can lead to very dangerous outcomes. Don’t risk your safety and play with these boxes. If you see any of these green padmount transformers unlocked or damaged, let your parents know and tell them that they should call your utility company.

SLIDE 8Some people use a fence or plants to try to cover up or hide electrical boxes that are in their yard because they don’t like the way they look. But it’s important NOT to do that. In case there is an accident, you need make sure there’s an entry point for utility professionals to have access to fix the problem. Remind your parents that they need at least 10 feet of space in front of a padmount transformer and between 2 and 5 feet on all other sides.

SLIDE 9If you see a problem with electrical boxes—such as it’s open, the lock is broken or missing, or there is a hole in it—tell an adult so that can let the utility know immediately. This is important for your safety, but you’ll also be helping other people stay safe as well.

SLIDE 10Activity #2: What’s Wrong?In the next slides, I have pictures of different outdoor electrical boxes, and I want you to identify what the problem is. What do you think the problem is in this first picture? (Answer: It’s open; it’s unlocked.)

Like Brett and Aaron found, this cabinet is unlocked and opened. It is very dangerous because all of the electrical equipment inside. If you see an electrical box opened, stay away and let your parents know so they can contact the utility. It is never your responsibility to close the cabinet. That’s extremely dangerous and should be left to the utility professionals.

SLIDE 11What do you think is wrong with the electrical box in this photo? (Answer: It’s damaged; been hit by a car.)From this picture, it’s clear that the electrical box has been damaged by a car accident. This is extremely dangerous not only for the person in the vehicle, but also for those nearby. You may be able to see that a wire has been ripped in the accident. Stay away from the area if you see something like this. Always stay far away from downed electrical lines and damaged electrical equipment. A utility should be contacted immediately, as well as emergency crews to help.

SLIDE 12What do you think is wrong with this outdoor electrical box? (Answer: somebody planted around it to cover it up.)This electrical box is surrounded by grass, in an attempt to cover it up or disguise it. This is dangerous because it blocks access in case of an emergency.

SLIDE 13Activity #3: Yes or No?You all have done such a great job in learning about outdoor electrical box safety, I’m going to share a few more outdoor safety tips with you today. I’m going to describe a situation to you, and you tell me if the answer is Yes or No.If a ball you and your friends are playing with goes over the fence into an electrical substation…Should you try to go get it yourself?

SLIDE 14(Answer: No.) Never go into an electrical substation for any reason. Electrical substations contain high-voltage equipment. Never attempt to retrieve a ball, toy, or even a pet from these areas. Have an adult call the electric utility instead.

SLIDE 15You notice a tree that would be great for climbing is located near an overhead power line…Should you climb it?

SLIDE 16 (Answer: No.) Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines aren’t touching the tree, they could tough when more weight is added to the branch.

SLIDE 17You’re playing outside and hear thunder…Should you go indoors?

SLIDE 18(Answer: Yes!) When thunder roars, go indoors! There is no safe place from lightning outside. So immediately head indoors.

SLIDE 19You’ve learned a lot today—and you can help others stay safe with what you’ve learned. It’s something we call TLC—Teach Learn Care: Teach others what you know—what you’ve learned today. Learn what you need to—keep learning and asking questions. And care enough to share it with others—like family members and friends!What are some of the things you’ve learned today that you can share with others?

SLIDE 20Remember the biggest lesson we learned today was: to recognize that outdoor electrical boxes contain electrical equipment inside of them, to respect the boxes—do not open or tamper with them, and to make sure that you help protect your safety as well as other’s safety by reporting any damage to these boxes to your utility.

SLIDE 21If you’d like more information on electrical safety or you’d like to watch additional videos, play some safety games, and learn about electrical science experiments, be sure to ask your parents if you can go online to SafeElectricity.org.

MEMBERS ONLY“Recognize, Respect, Report” Suggested Handouts

for Youth Audiences

Safety Decoder:http://www.safeelectricity.org/docs/word/Youth%20Activities/2015SafetyDecoderPowerLines.pdf

Coloring Page:http://www.safeelectricity.org/docs/word/Youth%20Activities/Coloring%20Pages/Louie%20Coloring%20Page%20004.pdf

Crossword Puzzle:http://safeelectricity.com/docs/word/Youth%20Activities/OutdoorSafetyCrossword.pdf

Third-Panel Handout:http://www.safeelectricity.org/docs/word/2016%20TLC/TLCStudersHandout.pdf