Sparks fly as Chelan PUD Kids’ Day brings power safety lessons to life

WENATCHEE — A hot dog stood in for a finger, a stuffed animal helped illustrate an electrical hazard and a metallic balloon showed why party decorations and power lines are a dangerous combination during Chelan County PUD’s Kids’ Day on Oct. 7.

The event, part of the PUD’s public power celebration, brought families together for activities, equipment displays and a close look at the work behind keeping the lights on.

Children wearing miniature hard hats gathered at activity tables, explored equipment and met PUD employees. A live electrical demonstration gave visitors a more dramatic lesson in the hazards lineworkers encounter.

Using a trailer equipped with poles, wires and electrical equipment, lineworkers demonstrated what can happen when a ladder, shovel, tree branch or other object contacts energized equipment.

One of their central messages was that a live wire does not necessarily announce its danger with noise or sparks.

“So right now the line is live and you can’t really tell,” lineworker Phil told the audience.

A hot dog representing a finger burned during contact with an energized line. A metallic balloon conducted electricity, illustrating why the balloons should never be released near power lines.

A branch placed across the demonstration lines took longer to show visible effects before eventually burning, reinforcing the warning that an object touching a line can be dangerous even when nothing appears to be happening.

The crew also discussed how improperly connected generators can feed electricity back onto utility lines, putting workers and others at risk.

Another demonstration illustrated the hazards of a power line falling onto a vehicle. Lineworkers emphasized staying inside unless an immediate danger, such as fire, requires leaving, and warned bystanders against approaching.

Between the crafts, equipment and electrical flashes, the afternoon gave families a chance to meet the people who maintain the power system and see why their work demands care.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media