It's easy to forget, but electricity can be dangerous.  Improper contact can lead to serious injury or even death.   Learning more about how to stay safe and teaching children electric safety rules can go a long way toward preventing a loss of life.  Two great champions for electric safety are:

SafeElectricity.org
Electrical Safety Foundation

Electric Safety Advice for Adults:

• Use the 10 foot rule - keep yourself, vehicles, and other objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
• Always assume power lines are live.
• If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line - stay inside and wait for help to turn the power off.  If there is imminent risk of fire - leave the vehicle by jumping to the ground.  Be sure to not touch both the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• Teach your children about electrical safety.

Electric Safety Advice for Kids:

• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Don't fly kites near power lines.
• Don't play in substations or underground transformers (the green metal boxes)... even on a dare.
• Never touch wires or outlets in your home.