Warning to Isle kids over electricity hazards

Northern Powergrid asks Isle parents and those across the region to spend time reminding their children of the dangers of electricity.

During the school holiday, as North Lincolnshire’s kids head out to play, they need to know that they could be hurt or even killed if they climb pylons, go near overhead power lines or close to substations.

Geoff Earl, director of safety at Northern Powergrid, said: “We are urging children to play safe.

“Interfering with the electricity network, accidentally or otherwise, can prove fatal, and we’re appealing to parents and guardians to spend time talking to their children about the dangers of power lines and substations.

“Electricity wires, pylons and substations are located across the region and youngsters need to avoid playing in the vicinity of any of these hazardous things. Following simple advice and being aware may just save a life.”

He continued: “If your football, frisbee, pet, or anything else gets inside the parameters of a substation, don’t go anywhere near it – call our 24-hour emergency contact centre team and we’ll organise for one of our engineers to retrieve it for you.

“Also keep away from empty or derelict buildings or vandalised street lights with exposed wires and never fly a kite or climb near overhead power lines.

“If you spot anything potentially unsafe, give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to send out our team. Doing the right thing and avoiding the extreme risks of live electricity ensures everyone can remain safe and have fun throughout the school holiday.”

Those looking for help talking to their children about the dangers of electricity can visit Northern Powergrid’s interactive website http://thefusebox.northernpowergrid.com/page/zone/parent/index.cfm

They can also show them a video about how to do the right thing. Eleven-year-old Jack Dalton got his dad to phone Northern Powergrid’s contact centre when his kite got caught in a power line https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXH5hAxn95U&feature=youtu.be

To contact Northern Powergrid to report safety concerns call emergency freephone number 0800 375 675 (Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire) or 0800 66 88 77 (North East). The contact centre is open all day, every day.