06 April 2004 00:00 Central Networks' Easter Survival Guide
Central Networks is sending out a special Easter safety message to children and parents in the Midlands – be aware and keep safe.
Jerry Carnell, Central Networks Safety Adviser, said: “We’ve put together our Easter survival guide to point out the dangers that often go unseen when we’re busy enjoying ourselves.”
Across the UK over 350 people, many of them children, are hurt each year through the misuse of electricity and failure to recognise associated dangers.
In a bid to cut those numbers, Jerry offered some of his top tips for keeping everyone safe this Easter.
Children: Easter is a great time to go out and have fun with your friends, but remember to take care of yourselves and each other:
•Keep kites or model aircraft away from power lines – electricity can travel down the string and electrocute you;
•Never tamper with street or traffic lights - you could get a nasty shock;
•Don’t climb up or into electricity structures and substations. If you lose a ball or kite, leave it and contact Central Networks. We will switch off the power if necessary and safely return your belongings.
Parents: It can be tempting to start tackling all those niggly jobs you’ve never quite had time for until now. BUT if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing when it comes to DIY electrical jobs, STOP:
•Call in an approved electrician for any wiring or electrical work – it’s cheaper than the cost of your life;
•Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands;
•Never try to fix radiant heaters, electric towel rails or mirror lights above a bath or shower.
And if you are out in the garden having a tidy up, remember to TAKE CARE:
•Always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) when using any electrical equipment such as electric lawn mowers or strimmers – they should give some protection from electric shock should anything go wrong;
•Always cut away from the flex of electrical equipment;
•Never use electrical equipment when it’s raining or damp.
For free information and advice please see our website www.central-networks.co.uk. Also, why not get your kids to have a look at our special website created just for them www.powerdiscoveryzone.com.
In the case of emergency call Central Networks on 0800 626555.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity bringing power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations.
For further information contact:
Emily Highmore on 024 7642 4292