A new survey from BC Hydro shows that while most parents worry about electrical hazards in and out of their house, only one-third of them talk about safety with their children.
The survey finds a quarter of parents with kids under the age of 5 have never talked about electrical safety with them.
Hydro says kids have already had dangerous interactions with electricity.
“Incidents ranging from pulling on plugged-in cords and inserting objects into outlets, to climbing trees near power lines, flying kites in hazardous areas, and even scaling electrical infrastructure such as power poles and transmission towers,” said BC Hydro. “Some of these incidents have led to electric shocks and burns.”
The survey adds that lack of awareness of electricity hazards is the main safety concern for over half of parents with kids under 11 years old.
Hydro Senior Vice-President Matt Wilson says by talking to kids about safety early and showing safe practices, parents can lower risks and keep their children safe.
These practices include staying at least 10 meters away from a downed line, keeping three meters of distance from working lines, not climbing power poles or transmission towers, and to not trespass into Hydro facilities.
