The National Theatre for Children's Katherine Yacko and Ben Wolfred brought their "Safety Detectives in Hot Pursuit" tour to the Tamaqua Elementary School Friday afternoon.

Partnering with PPL Electric Utilities, the duo taught kindergarten through fourth grade classes the importance of being safe around electricity. During the half-hour high-energy educational performance the pair changed costumes and accents to keep the children's attention on the issue at hand.According to PPL Electric Regional Affairs Director Carol Obando-Derstine, research shows that nearly seven children are treated in hospital emergency rooms every day for electrical shock or burns caused by playing or tampering with wall outlets. More than an estimated 30,000 reported nonfatal shock accidents occur every year."Safety is a priority," she said. "We just want to make sure we help children stay safe."Obando-Derstine addressed over 300 students before the play began. "Make sure you share what you have learned with others, your friends and parents. Don't keep it a secret," she said.The "detectives" highlighted four aspects of electricity: what it is, what it does, the dangers and how to prevent electrical fires. Through props, catchphrases and posters, student learned what electrical conductors are, that "frayed wires cause fires" and how electrical danger can rise during every season. Examples included space heaters too close to walls or windows and sprinklers or pools mixed with electronics. They also asked parents to test smoke alarms.The Minnesota-base theater troupe will visit 10 more schools before ending the tour on May 6. The NTC also provided educational materials to help teachers explain the importance of safety to their classrooms.