29 May 2003 00:00 EAST MIDLANDS ELECTRICITY HALF-TERM SAFETY WARNING TO LOCAL CHILDREN

East Midlands Electricity is sending an important safety message to children in Nottinghamshire about the dangers of substations.

This comes after a hoax call was made to the emergency services claiming a child had been electrocuted at a substation in Cotsgrave, on Tuesday (MAY 27). As a safety precaution EME had to cut the power for almost 3,000 customers for over 15 minutes.

A spokesperson for EME said: "This was a serious situation where the actions of a couple of bored youngsters had far-reaching consequences.

"Cutting power to customers affects homes, traffic and railway control equipment, businesses and, in some cases, vital medical equipment."

EME is also keen to highlight the dangers of playing near to substations.

The spokesperson said: "This incident throws up some very serious issues. Substations are not play areas, they house high voltages of electricity which can seriously burn, disable or even kill whoever comes into contact with it.

"EME urges parents to be aware of where their children are over the holidays and to make them aware of the dangers of climbing electricity structures or sub stations.

"The message is simple: Regardless of how safe and quiet things might look - DO NOT ENTER the substation, it could result in death or injury. Substations are NOT a play area."

When it comes to substations, East Midlands Electricity says "STAY AWAY - STAY ALIVE".

EME would like to stress that if any children are seen playing in or close to a substation, the incident must be reported to the police and/or East Midlands Electricity. This is to ensure both public safety and to avoid any interruptions to supply.

For free information and advice call East Midlands Electricity or look on the web site www.eme.co.uk under the safety icon.