Authorities warn Tik Tok users about #outlet challenge. It can lead to fire, electrocutions
A new viral challenge that’s circulating on the internet is worrying authorities.
It’s called the #outletchallenge and it’s proliferating in Tik Tok, the popular social media application for videos.
So, what’s the trend?
It involves people, usually kids, partially inserting the plug of a cellphone charger into an outlet and sliding a penny down the wall onto the exposed prongs.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urged the public on Monday that the challenge can generate sparks and damage the electrical system, and in the worst case, cause fires. The people doing it may be injured and even electrocuted.
“Our hope is to communicate the true dangers of this activity, so that we can prevent anyone else from being harmed by it,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and defense of NFPA.
The notice was sent following an incident at a school in Westford, Massachusetts. A Westford Academy student carried out the challenge Friday, causing a small fire. As a result, 1,700 people were evacuated.
Jim Antonelli, the principal, told local news channel WCVB-5, that the student did it because he “thought it’d be kind of fun.” It ended up costing the institution about $700.
Two students did the same at another Massachusetts school, Plymouth North High School. The teacher noticed immediately.
But according to a memo sent Tuesday by Peter Ostroskey, the state fire marshall, the students are now facing criminal charges.
This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
