In the interest of safety, Savannah Electric urges parents as well as children to be aware of an extremely dangerous portrayal in the new movie “Like Mike.”

The movie contains a scene wherein a child becomes a super athlete after being struck by lightning while retrieving sneakers from a utility line.

Although the exact type of utility line used in the film is unclear, the electric utility industry cannot over emphasize that electric power lines, sub-stations, and other apparatus should only be handled with the utmost care by trained professionals who have the appropriate safety equipment.

Savannah Electric is concerned that the movie leaves a very dangerous impression among children who may see the film. In reality, such an activity would have serious, probably fatal, consequences. This scene completely contradicts the safety message Savannah Electric has provided to children through years of diligent effort.

The company understands that the movie portrays a fictional situation, however, believes the issue important enough for concern. “We want to make sure everyone understands that what you see in the movies is not necessarily real,” says Savannah Electric’s Educational Services Coordinator Earl Woods. “No one should ever go near or touch any piece of electrical equipment.”

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the trade association of shareholder-owned utility companies, of which Savannah Electric is a member, has also issued a warning about the film. In addition, EEI sent a letter containing its message of concern to the 20th Century Fox film studio president urging the studio to include a warning in the film.

Savannah Electric has a comprehensive safety education program for children and adults. High voltage demonstrations, power plant tours and Louie the Lightning Bug presentations extend the electrical safety message to some 25,000 schoolchildren and adults in the company’s service territory each year.

Savannah Electric is a subsidiary of Southern Company and serves 132,000 customers in all or parts of five Southeast Georgia counties including Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan, and Screven.