As summer heats up and more children head outside to play, Ameren is urging parents to review key electric safety tips with their families. With more kids using drones, kites, and remote-controlled planes, there’s a higher risk of contact with overhead power lines and electrical equipment.

Parents are reminded to ensure kids play in open areas, away from power lines, and to never attempt to retrieve toys stuck in trees near electrical equipment or in substations. Climbing utility poles, towers, or pad-mounted electrical boxes can also be extremely dangerous.

Ameren also warns that downed power lines should always be treated as live. Families should stay far away and call Ameren immediately if one is spotted. To stay safe around water and outdoor appliances, Ameren recommends using ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, and keeping all electrical devices at least ten feet away from pools or ponds. Finally, when installing swing sets or play equipment, steer clear of power lines and always call 811 before digging to avoid buried utilities.

For more safety information, visit Ameren’s website.