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Make Electrical Safety A Top Priority This Summer

For Immediate Release
June 21, 2002

Pepco`s `Megawatt U` Program Teaches Kids About Electrical Safety

Summer brings an increase in outdoor activities - recreation, boating, home and garden improvements. And that can mean more occasion to inadvertently come into contact with electricity through power lines.

Pepco reminds all customers to use caution when working or playing near power lines or other electrical facilities this summer - especially children, who are out of school and spending more time outdoors. Power lines carry high voltage electricity that, when handled carelessly, can cause serious injury or even death.

To help parents teach their kids about the potential dangers of electricity, Pepco has created a fun, interactive online program called "Megawatt U" where kids - and adults - can learn about electrical safety. Just visit Pepco`s Web site, www.pepco.com, click on the Megawatt U icon, and follow cartoon characters Zach and Darla through Megawatt U`s four sections:

  • Lightning Round - an online game show with multiple choice questions that test your knowledge about electrical safety
  • Just the Facts - answers to frequently asked questions about electricity, such as "What you should do during a storm" and "What to do if you see a downed power line." It also includes a glossary of terms.
  • Electricity 101 - an explanation of how electricity is made and how it gets to your home.
  • S.M.A.R.T. (Safety Module And Research Tool) - a fun game to help identify safety hazards in the home and outdoors.

Pepco also offers the following tips for keeping safe around electricity this summer:

  • Never go near or touch a fallen power line. Call Pepco at (202) 872-3432 to report the location of the downed line.
  • Check for power lines in trees before trimming or using a ladder (even a wooden ladder) or scaffolding. Call Pepco at (202) 833-7500 to trim branches that interfere with power lines.
  • Never throw anything over or at a power line, substation, or transformer.
  • Pay special attention to power lines when boating. Know the height of your masts, antennas, etc.

For more electrical safety tips for kids and adults, visit www.pepco.com and click on Megawatt U.

Point of Contact:
Charles Taylor

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