With the welfare of the communities served and the quality of the electrical power supply in mind, Elektro is undertaking actions throughout the year that reinforce the precautions to take with the electrical grid, such as press releases and lectures in schools. One of the topics addressed is kites in order to warn people about incidents on the electrical grid caused by this outdoor game, mainly during school holidays.
This toy, which seems harmless, can become a major villain if used inappropriately and can cause accidents and power failures. Many kites become wrapped round wires and continue to cause interruptions in service for months afterward. This occurs because the line, wrapped round the electrical cables, becomes a good conductor of electricity when it rains. In addition to this, the use of “cerol” (a mixture of glue and ground glass) should be avoided. In Sao Paulo State it is a crime to use it and it can contain iron filings, which can cause short-circuits and electrical shocks.
Ideally, kites should be flown far from the electrical grid. Accidents and power interruptions caused by kites can be avoided if a few basic precautions are followed, such as only playing in squares or fields where there is nothing nearby that can conduct electricity. If the toy gets stuck on the grid, the best thing to do is to leave it. Trying to retrieve it may cause major accidents, which may include victims as well as interruptions to the electrical power supply.
How to fly a kite safely
Elektro provides constant lectures to teach the general population the safest way to fly kites. See below for how to fly kites safely:
• Kites should be flown far from any electrical grid and preferably in open spaces like squares, parks and soccer fields. This prevents accidents and interference with the quality of the electrical power supply, telephone service and antennas;
• Using homemade kites should be avoided, since they cling onto electrical wires, disconnecting the system and causing shocks;
• Using aluminium foil to make a kite is dangerous, since this material causes short-circuits when it comes into contact with wires;
• If the kite wraps round the wire, it is best to stop playing. There is a risk of shock when climbing onto roofs or poles to retrieve kites or when trying to remove them with pipes or bamboo sticks;
• It is not recommended to fly kites in the rain; the kite acts as a lightning rod and conducts power;
• It is not recommended to climb onto the roofing slab of a house to fly a kite, because any distraction might cause a fall;
• Metal lines should not be used instead of the common type of line, since they can cause electrical shock;
• Care must be taken with people on bicycles and motorcycles. Accidents occur because the lines can’t be seen.
