Transcript Document
Know the Rules:
Be Safe
Around Electricity
What Is Electricity?
We use electricity everyday.
But:
–What does it look like?
–What does it smell like?
–What does it taste like?
Answer: None of the Above!
Electricity is created by the movement of
tiny particles called electrons
We can’t see, smell or taste them
But when in motion, they generate a
current of energy
This current powers the things we use
everyday
Conducting Business
Objects that are conductors of
electricity are made of material
that lets electrons move quickly:
• Water
• Trees
• Metals
• People
…And Then There Are Insulators
Insulators of electricity do not
let electrons move as freely:
•Glass
•Plastic
•Porcelain
•Cloth
How Is Electricity Made?
In many power plants
– Coal is burned in huge furnaces
– Steam from the coal turns a jet engine-like turbine
– The turning turbine generates electricity
– Electricity leaves the plant through power lines
– The steam is cleaned before it leaves the
smokestacks
Big Bend Power Station
Bayside Power Station
Uses natural gas instead of coal
Natural gas is even cleaner than coal
The environment is healthier
You get the same electricity in your
home
Bayside Power Station
How Can Tiny Objects
I Can’t See Hurt Me?
Think of electrical current like a current of water
A trickle of water won’t feel very strong
A crashing wave can knock you off your feet
Just like:
A tiny electrical current may give you a static
charge
A stronger electrical current can hurt or kill you!
How Do People Who Work
On Power Lines Stay Safe?
Heavy protection
Special tools
Lots of safety training
Even with these things,
accidents can still happen.
But without them, you could
be in big danger.
How Can I Stay Safe?
A big way to stay safe is NEVER PLAY
AROUND POWER LINES!
Never dig around
power lines
Never climb trees
around power lines
Never throw things
around power lines
How Else Can I Stay Safe?
Always keep cords and wires away from water
and heat
Never touch water and
electrical devices at
the same time
Never use electrical
devices if you’re wet
How Else Can I Stay Safe?
Never put your
fingers in an
electrical outlet
or light socket
How Dangerous Are the
Electrical Items in My Home?
Each year, about 200 people in the
United States die of electrocution
from electric appliances
Why Are Wires Dangerous?
Electrical wires, cables or lines can carry
enough electricity to power the homes in an
entire neighborhood. Usually they are safe,
but sometimes things can damage them:
A storm
A car accident
A tree limb
Practice the power of safety!
If you see a power line that’s fallen,
STAY AWAY!
Don’t ever go near a
fallen pole
Tell an adult immediately
Call 9-1-1
Auto Response
If you’re inside a car near a downed power
line, never get out of the car
The electricity is touching
the ground
The ground is a conductor
of electricity
If you touch the ground,the
electricity will flow into your body!
But Wait – There’s More
If you think something might be
dangerous, don’t touch it!
Electricity can be safe – but only
when we use it the right way.
An Outside Chance of Danger
You’re playing in a field, when
suddenly:
– The sky turns dark
– Rain begins to fall
– You hear thunder
– What should you do?
Get Inside Immediately!
But…what if you can’t get to
shelter before lightning begins
to strike?
Lay Low!
Lightning usually strikes the tallest
object in a field
This includes trees
NEVER HIDE UNDER A
TREE WHEN THERE IS
LIGHTNING!
The Land of Lightning:
More people get hurt from lightning in
Florida than in any other state
– Warm weather
– Moist air
– A sea breeze
When these three kinds of weather come
together, they produce thunderstorms
Remember the 30-30 Rule!
After you see a flash of lightning, count the
seconds
If you can’t count to 30 before you hear
thunder, stay inside
After the last flash of lightning in a storm,
wait 30 minutes before leaving home
Half of all people who die from lightning are
struck after the storm is over
More Than Meets the Eye
In many neighborhoods, you see
green metal boxes next to the road
These are called pad-mount
transformers
Don’t play on them
Don’t sit on them
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Stay Safe With Electricity
Use common sense
Follow the rules of electrical safety
When in doubt, ask an adult
The Buzz Around Town:
The best person to keep you safe is
YOU!
Sometimes Adults Forget!
Remind your parents about how to
stay safe with electricity…and tell
your friends too!
More Things You Can Do
If you see an electrical wire down, let an
adult know. You can report it to us by
calling 1-877-588-1010.
If you notice a streetlight out, write down
the number on the pole. With an adult’s
help, go to www.tampaelectric.com and
find the Streetlight Out form. Fill it out
and we’ll send a crew out to fix it.
Educating Yourself Is Fun!
Learn more about electrical
safety with your parents at:
tampaelectric.com