28 August 2002 00:00 Bank Holiday tips from East Midlands Electricity to help people keep safe
With the August bank holiday almost upon us, families up and down the East Midlands Electricity region are looking forward to the break.
It's a perfect opportunity to tackle those DIY jobs around the house, do some gardening or go fishing while the kids are playing.
But accidents can happen, and this is the message that East Midlands Electricity is sending out to the public to raise the awareness of the potential danger of electricity.
Electrical accidents are rare but have serious outcomes, so just follow some simple guidelines
If you're doing a bit of DIY around the home and not really sure of what you're doing:
- Call in an approved electrician for any work involving wiring or electrical repairs, it's cheaper than the cost
of your life;
- Ensure that all appliances, plugs and flexes are undamaged and NEVER handle electrical equipment
with wet hands;
- NEVER fix radiant heaters, electric towel rails or mirror lights above a bath or a shower;
If the garden needs a makeover and this is your chance to mow the lawn:
- Always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) if you use any outdoor electrical equipment such as an
electric lawn mower or hedge trimmers. This should give you much greater protection from electric
shock if things were to go wrong.
- Always cut away from the electric lawnmower flex;
- NEVER use electrical equipment when it is raining or damp
If you're going fishing and using a carbon fibre rod then "Look Out - Look up":
- Check for overhead lines and keep at least 30metres away from them. 'Danger of death' signs mean
what they say.
Parents also need to be aware of where their children are and to make them aware of the dangers of climbing electricity structures or sub stations:
- If your ball has gone in to the sub station DON'T attempt to get it yourself but call East Midlands
Electricity. The number is on the danger sign and they will do their best to recover it as quickly as
possible and could even bring it to your house for you;
- Keep kites away from power lines because electricity could travel down the string and electrocute you. If
the kite has blown onto a power line then leave it, DON'T touch it and keep everyone else away until
East Midlands Electricity has been informed and the power has been switched off.
Above all, the Bank Holiday is a time for fun and leisure but it is important to be aware of the precautions that you can take to ensure that you and your family remain safe.
For free information and advice call East Midlands Electricity or look on the web site www.eme.co.uk under the safety icon. Have a look at our great new kids' website too on www.powerdiscoveryzone.com.
Contact East Midlands Electricity on 01332 393838 or in the case of an emergency call 0800 626555.
The EME region covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire and parts of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire