Kite flying can be a fun hobby, especially in the spring. With a bit of practice and a good breeze, anyone can launch a kite with ease. Before flying any kite, though, it’s important to be safe because kites and electricity don’t mix. SMUD offers simple safety tips to help make kite flying a safe experience.
• Build or buy kites made of wood or plastic. Only use cloth for the tail.
• Fly kites in wide, open areas, far away from power lines.
• Only use cotton, linen or nylon string. Never use metallic thread or metal-reinforced string, which can cause a fire, serious injury or death, if it comes in contact with energized electrical equipment.
• Fly kites only in dry weather. Wet string is a stronger conductor of electricity.
• If a kite gets caught in electrical lines or falls into a substation, leave it there. Do not touch any part of the kite or string and keep everyone away.
To have a SMUD employee come out to safely retrieve a kite caught in power lines or equipment, call 1-888-742-SMUD (7683). For additional electrical safety tips, visit smud.org.