This is especially important for younger children, who may be influenced by media images depicting unsafe activity around power lines, such as a recent "fantasy" movie that shows a child retrieving tennis shoes from a power line without being injured.

Pepco reminds all customers to use caution when working or playing near power lines or other electrical facilities this summer. Power lines carry high voltage electricity that can cause serious injury or even death if touched.

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

• Never throw anything over or at a power line, substation, or transformer.
• Never go near or touch a fallen power line. Call Pepco at (202) 872-3432 to report the location of the downed line.
• Pay special attention to power lines when boating. Know the height of your masts, antennas, etc.
• 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.

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.