With children across the region enjoying October half term and spooky season celebrations, we're reminding parents and guardians to chat with youngsters about the dangers of electricity.
As the clocks turn back one hour this weekend signally the end of British Summer Time, Halloween falling during the school holiday period and bonfires and fireworks hot on the heels of scary dress-ups, children and young people are more likely to be outdoors socialising with friends in the dark and may be at an increased risk of coming into contact with their local power network.
Our free safety animation and educational resources can help parents and guardians talk to their children about the very real dangers of interfering accidentally, or otherwise, with power cables, lines or poles. Also, how to stay safe and keep away from electricity substations.
Gareth Pearson, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Health, Safety and Training said: “Halloween and bonfire season is a fun and spooky time for children and teens, but we urge parents and carers to ensure it remains safe and take a few minutes to watch our animation, which helps to have important conversations about hazards associated with live electricity.
“Our safety information explains what to do if children accidentally kick a ball into a substation, or see anything hanging from our power lines – with the key message to stay away and not touch anything which may cause electrocution. If you spot something dangerous relating to our power lines, cables, poles or substations – call free-phone 105 immediately. Our specially trained teams are available 24-hours to help.”
Siobhan Barton, Head of Sustainability and Regional Engagement added: “Child safety is a key priority for our education team who regularly visit schools to engage youngsters about the world of engineering, electricity and our power network – but importantly – the visits include information on how to play and stay safe in their local communities.
“Our teachers’ resources zone on our website also provides a range of free educational assets to power safety home. If your school or youth group is interested in a free safety education talk with interactive activities, please email safety.talks@northernpowergrid.com to arrange a visit. For more information visit www.northernpowergrid.com/education.”
More information
Our free safety animation is primarily aimed at parents and guardians but is suitable to be shared with children as part of any discussions about staying safe. We also have a range of free resources to help parents, guardians and teachers – available to download free of charge at: northernpowergrid.com/education. In addition, overhead power line, farm, trucking and angling safety advice is also available at northernpowergrid.com/safety.
To report an electricity network safety issue, call us on free-phone 105. In an emergency, dial 999.
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