17 September 2004 00:00 Dodging Danger with Central Networks

‘Play Safe–Stay Safe’ is the message being given out to schoolchildren in Worcestershire by Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the East and West Midlands, at this years’ Dangers Dodgers event.

The event, which runs from Monday September 20 to Friday September 24 at Worcester Rugby Club, teaches children aged between 10 and 11 all about the dangers they could face if they interfere with or play near electricity equipment such as substations, pylons and overhead lines.

Youngsters will be able to climb aboard the specially designed Power Discovery Truck, where they will be able to spot potential hazards in ‘Hazard Valley’ - a large model landscape featuring countryside and urban scenes.

Safety Education Officer Anita Davis said: “Most children are aware of the dangers associated with electricity in the home, for example not switching on lights with wet hands and not putting anything they shouldn’t into wall sockets.

“But they also need to be aware that there are many potential dangers outside the home – substations, pylons and overhead power lines are every day sights that they might not think of as dangerous. Yet, despite the dangers, they can be targeted by vandals or people can hurt themselves just by not realising quite how deadly the equipment can be.

“In some cases, children don’t understand that, by spraying graffiti on a Danger of Death sign, they can actually put someone’s life in danger.”

Danger Dodgers is a yearly event that has been held for the past four years. Appearing alongside Central Networks are organisations such as the Fire and Rescue service and the Police.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity, bringing power to 4.8 million customers 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.

Schools attending Danger Dodgers:
Gorse Hill Primary Community School
Fair Field Community School
Lypard Grange Primary School
St Clements Primary School
Dines Green Primary School
St.Josephs Roman Catholic School
St Barnabas C of E School
Ronkswood Primary School
Perdiswell Primary School
Cranham Road Primary School
Warndon Primary School
Thornton House School
Manor Park School

For more information and pictures of the Power Discovery Truck contact:
Rebecca Jackson on 024 7642 4583
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer