KCPL Kids - Keep Your Family Safe

Keep Your Family Safe

Electric power enters your home through a control panel and a main switch. Find out where your main switch is in case you need to shut off all power in an emergency.

Safety Electricity is always ready to use. Wire carries it from the control panel through your home. By flipping a switch, you complete the circuit, turning on the light or appliance.

A short or an overload will blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker, shutting off the affected circuit. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, first find out why. Is there a frayed wire? Are too many appliances plugged into one outlet? Do you have a defective appliance? If you can't find the answer, call an electrician.

Insulation made of non-conducting material makes wiring safe. Frayed insulation or a broken wire can cause a dangerous short circuit and possible fire. Frayed wires should be repaired immediately by someone who knows how. Better yet, replace frayed wires.

If you have screw-in fuses, check for blown fuses by looking through the fuse glass for burned or dark areas. If you have cartridge-type fuses, check with a continuity meter. If a meter is not Fuse Box available, replace the fuse and retry. If you have a circuit breaker instead of fuses, reset the affected breaker from "off" to "on." Be sure the trouble is fixed before restoring power.

Keep in mind that people are good conductors of electricity, especially if they're standing in water or on a damp floor. Your body can act like a lightning rod and carry the current to the ground.

Touching a faulty appliance, plug or bare wire can make you part of the electric circuit. Don't do it: It can be a shocking experience!

For your safety, we've included some safety rules for your home and some tips on using electricity safely outdoors.

Home I Visitor's Center I Clubhouse I Neighborhood
School I Nature Trail I Power Plant I Site Info.