Kids’ Corner

Kids’ Corner

At Maglio Electric, we pride ourselves in educating parents and providing resources to promote a safe and healthy home for their children. To receive the latest safety advice and trends, please click on the links below and educate your children.

  • How Does Electricity Work?

    We use electricity nearly every minute, from morning until bedtime—and even during the night while our air conditioners, heaters, nightlights, and clocks continue working. Without electricity, there would be no home-cooked meals, no favorite TV shows, no video games, no computers, and no lights to guide our way. Hard to imagine!

    So, what is electricity, anyway? Electricity is energy produced by moving electrons. You may know that everything in the world is made up of tiny particles called ATOMS. Atoms are microscopic particles that contain PROTONS and NEUTRONS in their center (called the NUCLEUS). ELECTRONS spin around the nucleus. As electrons move between atoms, they produce an electric charge.

    How does electricity get into your home? Here are the basics:

    • POWER PLANTS generate HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY using the earth’s natural resources as fuel. Some of these resources include natural gas, coal, uranium and oil.
    • This electric current travels through high-voltage power lines for hundreds of miles. Once it reaches its destination, it enters a series of TRANSFORMERS.
    • Transformers change thousands of volts into a few hundred (220 to 240, to be exact). This low-voltage electricity is then distributed through local wires and into the outlets and switches in your home.
    • Many large home appliances require 220 to 240 volts to run properly, while other devices, like computers, hair dryers, and televisions require only 120 volts.
    • Some warehouses and factories need high-voltage current to power big machinery; in those cases, the electricity does not go through as many transformers to get to its destination.

    The amazing system that allows all of this to happen is called the POWER DISTRIBUTION GRID.

  • Quick Electrical Quiz
     Now that you’re an electricity expert, can you answer these questions without peeking at what you just read?

    1. We need natural resources to produce electricity. Some of those natural resources are:
    • Propane, ethanol and motor oil.
    • Uranium, oil and coal.
    • Copper, silver and gold.
    • Sunshine, air and plants.
    1. Electricity is produced when _______ move between atoms:
    • Neutrons
    • Protons
    • Electrons
    • Molecules
    1. The device that reduces voltage as it is transferred between the power company and your home is called a(n):
    • Transformer
    • Light switch
    • Receptacle
    • Outlet
    1. An atom’s nucleus is made up of:
    • Nucleons
    • Electrons
    • Protons & neutrons
    • Volts & watts
    1. Large residential appliances require ______ volts to run.
    • 7,000
    • 500
    • 120
    • 240
  • Is Electricity Free?

    It seems strange to pay for something we can’t see, but electricity is not free. An ELECTRIC METER measures the amount of electric energy used by your family, and the power company sends a bill for using that electricity. That is one of the reasons it is important to conserve energy in your home. When you use less energy, you (1) save money, and (2) use fewer natural resources (gas, coal, oil, uranium). Together, we can make sure there are enough resources for future generations.

    You can make a big difference in reducing your family’s energy use when you:

    • Switch off lights, lamps, video games and TV sets when you leave a room.
    • Unplug computers, radios, TV sets and DVD players when you leave for vacation. Most of these appliances have standby functions, so they use energy even when they are turned off.
    • Open curtains or blinds on sunny winter days. The power of the sun will warm your room so you can save heat!
    • Close curtains or blinds on sunny summer days. Blocking the sun’s rays will keep your home cooler.
    • Decide what you want before you open the refrigerator. When you leave the door open while you look for a snack, cool air goes out and warm air drifts in. That means your fridge has to work harder (and use more electricity) to lower the temperature again.
    • Use the 78/68 rule. Set your home’s thermostat at 78 during summer and 68 during winter. Use cheaper appliances such as ceiling fans and box fans to cool off in summer and put on extra layers during winter.
    • Save hot water by shortening your showers. Keep a timer in the bathroom and challenge yourself to soap up, shampoo, and rinse by the time the buzzer goes off.
    • Make sure your bed, desk or dresser are not sitting on top of a heating or cooling vent.
    • Turn off all porch lights and outdoor lighting during the day.
    • Wash a full load of clothing rather than just a few items at a time. You’ll also save hot water and money by washing clothes on cold rather than warm or hot. 
  • Caution: These Electricity Facts May Shock You!
    • Electricity travels faster than 186 thousand miles per second!
    • Electric eels produce electric shocks measuring about 600 volts when they are defending themselves or hunting their prey.
    • In addition to the eel, there are more than 500 types of fish that produce electricity.
    • A single spark of static electricity can measure nearly 3,000 volts.
    • A single, one-second bolt of lightning can measure up to 3 million volts. (That’s enough to provide electricity to 200,000 homes!)
    • Thomas Edison did not invent the first electric light bulb, but he did invent the first bulb that stayed lit for long periods of time. He also created the switches, fuses, and other parts of our home electrical system.
    • Thomas Edison opened the world’s first power plant in 1882. The plant was located in New York City.
    • During a news interview, Thomas Edison reportedly said that he was afraid of the dark!
    • In 1886, the Statue of Liberty became the first lighthouse to use electricity. Before that, lighthouses provided light by burning whale oil, kerosene, and other liquids.
    • The U.S. uses coal to produce nearly ½ of the nation’s electricity.

  • Safety First: Be Aware of Electrical Danger!
     Did you know that your body conducts electricity? That’s because electricity flows easily through water, and humans are made of 70 percent water. To avoid accidental shock, electrical fires, and other electrical dangers, remember the important safety tips below.

    • Water and electricity DO NOT MIX.Dry your hands before using an electrical appliance, and never use a hair dryer or other device around a full sink or bathtub—or even a puddle of water.
    • NEVER use water to put out an electrical fire.Your parents should keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher in the house for this. Ask them to tell you the location, just in case.
    • Keep electrical cords wound or stacked in a tidy way.Stringing them across the floor is a tripping hazard. It’s also a temptation for your favorite dog or cat to chew on them, and this could cause a dangerous or deathly shock.
    • Avoid plugging several things into the same extension cord or electrical outlet. This can overload the circuit or cause an electrical fire.
    • Protect younger siblings and small visitors by using child-safe outlet plugs. Curious children may stick their finger or another object into a socket and injure themselves.
    • Tell your parents if you notice an outlet or light switch that is warm to the touch. It is a fire or injury hazard. Your parents should call an electrical specialist to inspect the problem as soon as possible.
    • If someone you know is being shocked by an electrical device, do not touch them. The electricity can travel through your body, too! Instead, locate an adult and dial 911 immediately.
    • Stay indoors during lightning storms. If you cannot get inside, climb into a car and roll up the windows. Stay away from trees, power lines, flagpoles and other tall objects.
    • Never throw anything at electrical wires or poles.
    • Put together a power outage/storm preparation kit with your family. Include things like a battery-operated radio, candles and matches, extra batteries, bottled water and nonperishable food, a first aid kit, and extra blankets. It’s always good to be prepared!
  • Get the Facts About Bullying & Prevention

    You have probably heard of bullying. You may have been bullied, or you may have seen someone bully a friend or family member. A bully is someone who tries to hurt others physically or emotionally with their words or actions. While we often think of a bully as the “mean kid” at school, there are many types of bullying—and anyone can be a bully. Some types of bullying include:

    • Teasing someone or making him/her feel uncomfortable.
    • Physically injuring someone by hitting, kicking, pushing, etc.
    • Calling someone mean or rude names.
    • Spreading bad rumors about someone.
    • Taunting someone through texts or social media.
    • Posting embarrassing photos online.

    Did you know that more than three million students are bullied each year? Thousands of children and teens skip school every day because they are avoiding a bully. One out of ten students drops out of school because of bullying!

    Bullying occurs at all ages, and in all grades—and it causes kids to feel angry, hurt and depressed. It’s time to take a stand: in our schools, on our playgrounds and on the streets. If you are a victim of bullying, or you know someone who is, visit Bullying.gov to get help or learn how to respond to bullies.

    What You Can Do To Stop Bullying

    • Stand up to bullies.Bullies feel like they have power over you. Look them in the eye and tell them to stop in a clear, confident voice. If you feel that you are in physical danger, leave the situation and escape to a safe spot—like a school, library, police station, restaurant, or friend’s house.
    • Tell someone.Research shows that kids who are bullied are less likely to be bullied in the future when they share their concerns with a parent, teacher or friend. If you are bullied or witness a bullying incident, get help from a safe adult.
    • Be careful what you post online.People may use photos or information to spread rumors or embarrass you on social media sites. Be kind to others, too. Never use their photos or information in a mean or embarrassing way.
    • Keep your password a secret.Even friends could accidentally share your password with an unsafe person. Only your parents should have a list of your passwords.
    • Tell a safe adult if you receive a scary or uncomfortable message in your email, social media, or other online places. It is also important to report harmful or abusive messages to the police.
    • Be respectful.Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. Avoid spreading rumors, participating in gossip or saying mean things online. Apologize to people if you have done these things in the past. It’s time for a fresh start!
  • Stay Safe Around Strangers

    A stranger is someone that you, your mom or dad does not know well. Strangers are everywhere: around your neighborhood, at the playground, and at the mall. Just like your parents, many strangers are kind, helpful people. Unfortunately, you can’t tell if someone is a good or bad person by looking at them—so it is important to be cautious around people you don’t know.

    Remember these stranger safety tips:

    • Use the buddy system. If your parents aren’t with you, take a friend to the store, the park or the mall. If you must go somewhere alone, avoid isolated areas or dark streets.  
    • Avoid talking to strangers when parents aren’t with you. If you are lost or need help, (1) go to a public place, and (2) look for “safe strangers.” Safe strangers are people like police officers, security guards, and firefighters. If you don’t see someone in uniform, use your instincts. Look for a grandmother, woman, or family with children.
    • Do not take gifts from strangers. Safe strangers should never offer you anything, ask you to disobey your parents, or ask you to keep a secret. If someone you don’t know does these things, tell them no. Leave the area immediately—or yell for help.
    • Do not go anywhere with a stranger.Stay at least one arm-length away from people you do not know, and never go anywhere alone with them when parents are not with you.
    • Tell your mom, dad or teacher if a stranger is touching you or behaving in a strange way. Strangers should not invade your personal space or touch you in private areas. They should listen when you say no and never ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. If this happens, don’t hide it. Share your story with a trusted adult.
    • If a stranger tries to grab you or pull you into a car, scream, kick and try to get away. Yelling things like, “Stop! I don’t know you!” may attract the attention of people who can help.
    • Don’t help strangers when you are alone. It is good to be helpful at home and at school, but you do not need to help strangers. They should ask other adults for help. If someone asks you to look for their pet, give them directions, or get something out of their car, turn around and walk the other way. Yell if they follow you, and run to a safe place—like a school, police station, library, restaurant, or fire station.

    Finally, remember that it is never silly to trust your instincts. Be smart around strangers, and listen to that little voice in your head. It is okay to leave a situation if you are uncomfortable, or if you feel like something is wrong. Find a safe place, tell a trusted adult, or call 911 to get help! 

  • Play It Safe When You Play Outside

    The playground is a fun place to explore, exercise, and make new friends, but accidents can happen. To avoid getting hurt and keep your friends safe, remember these simple safety tips when you visit the park.

    • Be careful and show courtesy to others. There is no place for pushing, shoving, tripping, or fighting on the playground. Take turns, keep mean words to yourself, and treat other children with kindness.
    • Ask adults for help. Teachers, parents and playground attendants are there to help if you get hurt, notice a bully on the playground, lose a ball in the street, or find a piece of broken equipment.
    • Follow the rules. If your teacher or parent gives you playground guidelines, it is because they are concerned for your safety. Follow the rules and remind your friends to do the same. Rules may include:
      • Play on equipment that is “just right” for kids your size.
      • Take turns on the slide, and never push your friends!
      • Do not walk up the slide—especially when people are sliding down. Do not go down the slide backward; you could hit your head.
      • Sit up straight when you swing. Don’t twist the chains or jump off the swings.
      • Avoid walking in front of moving swings and other objects.
      • Do not stand or sit on top of high bars.
      • Make sure the slide is a comfortable temperature. Metal can get hot on spring and summer days.
      • Hold onto the handrails on swings, slides, and jungle gyms, and climb steps slowly and carefully.
    • Don’t play on wet equipment. If it is raining, choose another activity instead of climbing on slippery ladders or monkey bars.
    • Watch what you wear. Long skirts, scarves, or loose-fitting clothes can trip someone or get tangled on equipment, and flip-flops or slip-on shoes are not safe for climbing. Avoid baggy clothing and always wear supportive sneakers or athletic shoes that are tied securely.
    • Be a role model for younger children. If you are an older child, it is your responsibility to watch out for smaller kids. Avoid climbing on the toddler play set or jumping off of equipment when small children are nearby, and teach younger kids to follow the rules by following them yourself.
    • Don’t throw sand, rocks, or wood chips. Hitting someone in the head or the eye can be dangerous—and may even cause a trip to the doctor. Keep these objects on the ground where they belong.
    • Drink plenty of water. If you didn’t bring your water bottle, drink water before and after you head to the playground.
    • Don’t talk to strangers. It’s great to make friends on the playground, but you should tell teachers or parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or asks you to do something. And remember, it is never a good idea to leave the playground with someone you don’t know!

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