Detroit Edison Offers Kite Flying Safety Tips

DETROIT, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is finally here and the sky soon will
be dotted with brightly colored kites and radio-controlled model airplanes.
While enjoying the outdoors, Detroit Edison reminds kite and model airplane
fliers to play it safe around electricity by following these simple rules:

-- Select a level and open space away from utility poles and overhead
power
lines.
-- If a kite or other object becomes lodged on a utility pole or tangled
in
the wires, don't try to remove them. Call the utility at (800)
477-4747 to report the location.
-- Don't fly kites in threatening weather. If a kite is hit by
lightning, wet string can conduct electricity.
-- Use strong, dry cord for kite string.
-- Don't use kites containing metal or wire parts such as
cotton-wrapped wire string. Wire and metal will serve as conductors if
they come in contact with electrical equipment. Use lightweight wood
for
kite frames.

Other common-sense rules to remember:

-- Avoid traffic areas such as streets, highways and railroad
rights-of-way.
-- Stay clear of other kites and kite fliers.
-- Keep an eye out for rocks and holes when running with a kite.
-- Don't fly kites and toy airplanes from rooftops or other elevated
structures.

SOURCE Detroit Edison

Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154, or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both of
Detroit Edison