Choking, Suffocation and Strangulation Prevention

Lesson Plan: The Shocking Truth about Electricity

Seventh/Eighth Grade

Understand the science of electricity.

"The Shocking Truth about Electricity" Lesson Plan and Support Materials

Objectives

Articulate the basics of the science of electricity as related to specific electrical hazards.

Preparation

Review Electrical Information Guide.
Download photos or actual items listed below to use for discussion and demonstration purpose:
- Two- and three-pronged electrical outlet
- Outlet safety plug
- Extension cord
- Power strip
- Frayed electrical cord
- Overloaded electrical outlet
- GFCI
Collect prizes for correct answers. Incentives might include pencils, items from fire department giveaway collections, mugs from electrical companies, etc.

Procedure

Introduce this review game:
"Let's take a look at 10 common beliefs concerning home appliances and electrical hazards. The answers to some of the 10 statements are true, others are false. As caretakers of siblings, as babysitters in your community, your fast actions and knowledge of these facts can prove life saving for you and for those you are charged to care for."

Give an incentive to the student with the first correct True/False answer -backed up with a corrected statement if the provided statement is false.
1. If you talk on the phone (not cordless phone) during a lightning storm you can be electrocuted through the phone lines.
2. You may be shocked by sticking a metal utensil into a toaster.
3. Outlet caps are 100% "toddler proof."
4. A pet that chews on an electrical cord may be electrocuted.
5. An iron that is left on and sitting upright all day will start a fire.
6. You can't overload a multi-plug power strip.
7. Older holiday lights are probably safe.
8. If an appliance smells funny, or doesn't work exactly right, it will be ok to use for a little longer.
9. Ground fault circuit interrupters are only for outside use.

During an electrical emergency:
1. TRUE
  Landline phones in homes work with electricity. It is better to stay off the phone during an electrical storm. The point is that the phone line is a potential conductor for a lightning strike.
2. TRUE
  You may become the path of least resistance to the ground. If the toast gets stuck, unplug the toaster before attempting to remove the stuck item.
3. FALSE
  Electricity continues to flow through the wires in the walls. Children have been known to try to suck on the outlet caps-plugged into the wall! The best solution is to constantly watch the children.
4. TRUE
  Once the insulation is broken, the raw electricity can escape. Some pets are born chewers. Rabbits, puppies, and kittens are notorious for chewing on cords. Keep cords out of reach of pets and children.
5. FALSE
  It may or may not start a fire. Some irons today have a shut-off feature that will make the iron turn off if not used in a certain amount of time.
6. FALSE
  Yes, you can overload the multi-plug extension power strips. Check to be certain the ones in place at home have a circuit breaker built into the power strip. This will shut off the power strip if too much voltage is demanded.
7. FALSE
  Holiday lights did not have the cool feature prior to the 1980s. The electricity flowing through the bulbs made it hot enough to catch items on fire.
  Also, the insulation on the cords of the older lights cracks and wears out. It pays to replace old holiday lights.
8. FALSE
  If an appliance smells funny or doesn't work exactly right, tell an adult. It is not "OK." Slower heating or signs that the product does not perform like it used to may be signs of an electrical problem.
9. FALSE
  GFCIs are to be used in bathrooms and kitchens near the sink, as well as for outdoor outlets. GFCIs detect electrical current leakage and immediately shut off the power so no one is injured.

Other safety reminders:

If you notice arcing, a burning smell, or smoke coming from an appliance, turn off the power, get out of the house, and call 9-1-1.
Stay away from downed power lines. Call 9-1-1 to identify the problem.
If you are in a vehicle when a power line falls on it, stay in the car. Wait until the fire department arrives.
If someone is in contact with live wires, don't touch the person. Call 9-1-1. Wait for the power to be turned off.

Extension: Invite outside experts to discuss safety equipment used.

Invite a firefighter and an electrical lineperson to talk about and demonstrate their safety gear. Ask the firefighter to place extra emphasis on showing the safety features built into the coat and the fact that even with this gear the firefighter is not safe around electricity. The power must be turned off. Ask the electrical lineperson to also focus on the equipment worn and note the differences between his/her gear and how these relate to specific actions taken that would be different than the fire personnel.

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