27 May 2004 00:00 Central Networks issues warning to kite flyers

With summer winds blowing and more people taking to the great outdoors in the good weather, Central Networks is offering kite flyers some essential safety advice.

The electricity distribution company for the East and West Midlands is urging people to ‘look out and look up’ and fly kites away from power lines or risk being seriously injured.

Electrical accidents are rare but can have serious outcomes, and every year people are injured by not following electrical safety advice. In addition, kite or model plane hits can potentially blackout hundreds of local homes.

Central Networks safety adviser Jerry Carnell said: “’It’s essential kites or model aircraft are kept away from power lines because electricity can travel down the string and electrocute people.

Always have a good look to make sure no overhead lines are nearby before you start and if your kite or plane does go towards a line, let go of the string immediately. If you require help retrieving the toy then call Central Networks. We can switch off the power if necessary and safely return it.”

For free information and advice please call Central Networks on 0800 096 3080 or see our website www.central-networks.co.uk. Children can look at the special website created just for them www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and get further top tips for staying safe around electricity.

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings 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;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours contact 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer