A Guide to Safety City

Kiwanis

A partnership between Kiwanis of Gainesville and the City of Gainesville Activity Title: GRU Electric Tabletop

Level: Adult (Instructor)

Time Frame: 20 - 30 minutes

Materials: GRU Electric Tabletop display

Video(s): None, unless GRU has a suitable electrical safety video

Description: The purpose of this activity is to show children what happens when objects and people become part of a high voltage circuit, or "energized". By supplying live current to a display tabletop model, several examples of how electricity can "energize" various people and things are dramatically shown.

Activity: This activity is designed to show children what can happen when electric current leaves it's intended path, creating dangerous shock hazards, fires, burns and electrocution. GRU has designed a tabletop display that carries live electricity, to dramatically show what can happen when electricity runs amok. The following examples are:

A) Ladder and antennae hazards. Dangerous conditions exist when these items contact a live wire. B) Irrigation hazards. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. C) Tree hazards. Fallen limbs can short circuit wires. D) Animal hazards. Birds and mammals can gnaw through insulation or cause short circuits. E) Vehicle hazards. Cars can knock down poles; cranes and heavy equipment can dig through or touch live wires above and below ground. F) Tangle hazards. Kites, play airplanes or balloons can wreak havoc on power lines.

Discussion: Primary discussion during this activity should focus on:

1) How easy it is to accidentally come into contact with dangerous high voltage. 2) The importance of always being aware of where the electricity sources are, and how to avoid becoming part of the circuit.

Summary: The purpose of this activity is to show a real live demonstration of electricity in action. Through the use of a tabletop display created by GRU, it is possible to witness how dangerous electricity can be when it has the opportunity to travel outside of the normal path. Using this realistic method, children can see firsthand the circumstances surrounding live current, and take the necessary precautions.

1 "GRU Electric Tabletop"