18 November 2004 00:00 Central Networks’ Power Discovery truck is taking to the road in Chase Town

Central Networks’ Power Discovery truck will be visiting school children in Chase Town this month to spread its important safety message.

Pupils at St Joseph’s and St Teresa’s RC Primary School will learn valuable lessons about the potential dangers of high voltage electricity when they board the truck.

The specially-designed vehicle is divided into two sections. At the front is an audio-visual area with a plasma screen that allows one group to watch a special safety video.

And, at the back of the truck, the youngsters can play educational computer games, and take a look at cable samples, a plasma ball and ‘Hazard Valley’ – a large model landscape featuring urban and rural scenes full of potential hazards to spot.

Central Networks’ Public Safety Advisor Anita Davis said: “Most people are aware of the dangers associated with electricity in the home, such as not switching on lights with wet hands and being careful around wall sockets.

“They also need to be aware that there are many potential dangers outside the home – substations, pylons and overhead power lines are all things people take for granted but which can also be very dangerous if not treated with respect.

“By taking the truck to schools we aim to get the important message across that the electricity distribution network is very safe as long as you do treat it with that respect.”

The visits are targeted at year 6 pupils. Anyone who would like the truck to visit a school, safety event or show can log on to www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher’s Zone.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
• The Power Discovery Truck will visit St Joseph’s and St Teresa’s RC Primary School on Tuesday 23rd November 2004;
• 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 to parts of Bristol and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For more information and pictures of the truck contact:
Kathy Doyle on 024 7642 4292
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer