In their normal operation, power lines safely deliver electricity to light our homes and run all our gadgets. But they don’t mix well with otherwise fun summer activities, such as flying a kite, party balloons, model airplanes, ladders or pruning tools. During Seattle’s long summer days, many of us are getting outdoors to have some fun, take care of some projects for the home or lawn and soak up some vitamin D. While we’re at it, remember to stay safe around power lines.
Stay safe this summer. Keep balloons and kites away from wires like these. They carry 26,000 volts of electricity.
In their normal operation, power lines safely deliver electricity to light our homes and run all our gadgets. But they don’t mix well with otherwise fun summer activities, such as flying a kite, party balloons, model airplanes, ladders or pruning tools.
Seattle City Light’s distribution lines carry up to 26,000 volts of electricity.
Conflicts with those power lines can be deadly. They also can cause power outages. Earlier this month, about 5,600 homes and businesses lost power when some children lost hold of some Mylar balloons that then became tangled in power lines.
Keep yourself, your toys and your tools away from power lines. Use small weights on balloon strings to keep the balloons from escaping. If your kite does get caught, do not touch the kite or the line! The electricity can easily travel down your kite lines to you regardless of the type of line you are using. Let go of the kite and move away. Then call us and keep other people away from the kite line
Metallic objects are great conductors of electricity and should steer clear of power lines at all times. Any fun outdoor activity can be ruined when objects get caught in power lines and cause someone physical harm. Stay safe this summer and remember to work and play far away from power lines.