CL&P Warns Of Electrical

Power Line Dangers

BERLIN — The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) is concerned that the new 20th Century Fox box office movie, Like Mike, sends a misleading message about the safety of electric power lines.

The movie, which was released on July 3, is geared toward young people and shows the teen star, played by entertainer Bow Wow, climbing a tree, grabbing shoes off an energized electric power line, and being struck by lightning. This then gives the character starsuper abilities to play basketball in the NBA. Today’s life depends on electricity, but power lines are extremely dangerous and should never be touched, because doing so could result in serious injuries, even death.

Movies are produced to entertain and often do not represent or portray real life, but young children tend to emulate what they see. CL&P cautions parents and adults about the misleading portrayal of what could happen if someone touches a power line. Even the amount of electricity used by a single 7.5-watt Christmas tree bulb is enough to stop the heart. Electricity searches for the shortest path to the ground. In the movie’s scenario, the child’s body, which is a good conductor because of high water content, would be that path. At best, injuries received from a hit as shown in the movie would include severe damage to internal organs. Most likely, a jolt of this magnitude would be fatal.

CL&P urges everyone to follow these basic safety guidelines:

• Never throw objects at or over power lines.

• Never climb trees near power lines.

• If an object accidentally becomes entangles in a power line, do not attempt to remove it. Call your local electric utility and ask them to remove the item.

• Never go near downed power lines.

• Do not climb fences around or enter substations.

• Keep fingers and objects away from electrical outlets.

• Assume all lines are “hot” or energized.

• Kites, balloons, model airplanes, and other toys should never be flown near power lines.

• Remind children never to play near metal cabinets on concrete platforms that may be located on your or any property nearby. These are pad mounted transformers and contain electrical equipment. Report damaged or unlocked pad mounts and never hide inside one.

To learn more about electrical safety around the home, visit the website at www.cl-p.com or call 800-286-2000.