FirstEnergy encourages caution when gifting
and flying drones this season
AKRON,
Ohio, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- December is
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, which highlights the importance
of being cautious about the gifts we give to our loved ones this
holiday season. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) reminds customers
to keep electrical safety in mind while selecting and trying out
new toys and products received during the holidays.
Drones are one of the hottest holiday gifts again this year.
Understanding how to use them properly is especially important for
younger children who may not recognize the potential risks
associated with drone operation. Flying them close to power lines,
substations or other electrical equipment could cause serious
damage and pose significant safety risks to the drone operator and
other people nearby.
Candace Webb, Manager of
Public Safety at FirstEnergy: "Drones can be great fun,
but like driving a car, there is an inherent responsibility that
goes along with flying to keep yourself safe and the electricity
flowing reliably. To help new flyers learn more about drone safety,
FirstEnergy created Drone Safety Zone, an award-winning, free
online drone racing video game that helps players to learn rules
and best practices for drone operators while competing for the
fastest times."
When gifting a new drone, make sure it is age-appropriate for
the flyer, and review all the rules and restrictions before
launching:
- Check the weight of your drone to see if it needs to be
registered with the Federal Aviation Administration – Register a
drone.
- Become a licensed pilot before flying a drone.
- Stay at least 200 feet away from power lines or other
electrical equipment.
- Fly your drone at or below 400 feet, and keep it at an altitude
where it can be seen.
- Do not fly in dark or windy conditions.
- Never try to get your drone if it crashes on or near a
downed line or substation. Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) and
a FirstEnergy employee will retrieve it safely.
Beyond drones, FirstEnergy encourages people of all ages to keep
the following electrical safety information in mind when exchanging
gifts:
- Read all manufacturer labels for toys or items that will be
used by or around children. Check to make sure the child meets the
age requirements specified on the label.
- If gifts require batteries, exercise the same caution as you
would give toys with small parts. Many batteries, especially small
button cells, pose choking risks if children can open the battery
covers.
- Be mindful of cords on gifts that plug into outlets to avoid
strangulation and shock risks.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords.
- Never operate or allow children to play with electrical toys
around water.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies
form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving customers in Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West
Virginia, Maryland and New
York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate
approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the
Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X
@FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/follow-electric-safety-tips-for-common-gifts-to-keep-holidays-merry-and-bright-302333956.html
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.