Relaxing and having fun during the summer are what most people look forward to all year. But, doing all of this while staying safe is the top priority. This is especially true for electrical safety because this is the one time of year where electricity and water often cross paths.

Here are some tips for maintaining electrical safety this summer:

Beware of power lines. On a warm summer day, flying a kite can make anyone feel like a kid again. But, flying a kite around or near power lines is extremely dangerous. If you plan to fly a kite on any day this summer, make sure to find a spot where there are no power lines nearby so you can be sure that your kite will not cause a dangerous situation.

Don’t use temporary lines. It always seems like the easiest and best fix to just add an electrical cord if an appliance doesn’t reach to the nearest outlet. However, electrical cords are not meant to be used as permanent electricity sources. If you need more electricity – contact a professional electrician to have more outlets installed in the areas where you need them. If you are using an extension cord, make sure to unplug it before you leave the area.

Stow your cords. Having your electrical cords cleanly and neatly stored away will help to keep people from tripping on them and from children playing with them. Also, pets are unfortunately enticed to chew on cords that are left laying around, which could cause an electrical fire. Use zip ties or bread ties to wrap cords up and keep them neatly stored away.

Keep electricity away from water. Make sure that your children know the dangers of having electricity near water. This is true for things like radios and small refrigerators that kids might want closer to the swimming pool or, water feature. Any kind of electrical appliance should be kept several feet away from the water source to ensure that nothing falls in the and causes electrocution.

The summer season is a great time of year for spending time outside and enjoying the beautiful weather. But, creating a comfortable outdoor sitting area should never be at the expense of anyone’s safety. Make sure that you and your family follow these electrical safety tips for a relaxing and worry-free summer.