Back to School: Back to Safe Energy Habits

September means school buses are back on the road, schedules are getting busier, and many families are settling into a new fall routine. It's a perfect opportunity to refresh a few electrical safety and energy-smart habits with everyone at home.

Start with the after-school routine. Remind kids to keep drinks away from electronics, never put objects into electrical outlets, and ask an adult for help if a cord, plug, or outlet looks damaged. Chargers and other electronics should be unplugged carefully by the plug—not pulled by the cord. 2408

Outside, electrical safety is just as important. Children should never climb trees near power lines or play around utility equipment. If your family encounters a downed power line, keep everyone far away. PenLight advises staying at least 35 feet from the line and treating it as energized. 455210

A new school year can also mean more laptops, tablets, lights, and electronics being used around the house. Encourage everyone to turn off lights when leaving a room and unplug chargers when they're no longer needed. Using power-saving settings on computers and other devices can help make energy efficiency part of the family's everyday routine.

September is a month of fresh starts. Building a few safe, energy-conscious habits now can help your household carry them through the school year and beyond.