09 November 2004 00:00 Central Networks’ safety website discovers kids in the Midlands are bright sparks

Do kids in the Midlands turn off the lights?

Parents across the region would probably shout out a resounding ‘no’ to that question, but 60 per cent of children who voted on Central Networks’ innovative Power Discovery Zone website said ‘yes’ they did.

The fun-packed electricity safety website includes a new monthly poll and, last month, youngsters had a chance to vote on whether they saved energy by switching off lights in their homes.

Safety adviser, David Welbourne, said: “I’m really pleased that the majority of children in our region turn off lights, saving energy and their parents money on electricity bills.

“While the website is mainly designed to teach children how to stay safe around electricity it also shows them how to use it in a sensible way.

“Although by no means a scientific poll, we’re pleased to find out that most children understand it’s important to save energy and turn off lights.”

The poll is updated every month and, in November, children have a chance to vote on whether they walk to school.

As well as the poll, the Power Discovery Zone website is full of games, jokes competitions and electricity advice designed to hold children’s attention and ensure they understand essential safety messages.

“The website is designed to be fun, but also to teach children about the importance of staying safe around electricity,” said David.

“The site includes valuable information that could one day save lives.”

Children can find the site at www.central-networks.co.uk or by logging on to www.powerdiscoveryzone.com.

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;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south and from the Welsh Borders in the west to the Lincolnshire Coast in the east.

For more information contact:
Rebecca Middleton 024 7642 5779