14 February 2005 00:00 Calling all bright sparks in the Midlands
The half term holidays have arrived again and Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the Midlands, is urging children to be bright sparks and stay safe.
Sparky, a colourful character who guides youngsters around the company’s safety website, is helping Central Networks’ safety team hammer home their safety message to local youngsters.
Stephen Hennell, Central Networks’ Network and Public Safety Manager, said: “Electricity is everywhere and there are many hidden dangers. We want children to be aware and to keep safe.
“When they visit our website they’ll learn how to spot dangers in the home, on the street.
“If youngsters are bored over the holidays there’s a lot to do on the website. There are jokes, a competition and they can learn how to make their own torch, buzzing circuit game and electric quiz board. We’ve designed this site especially for children and we want them to enjoy it.”
In a bid to ensure that the whole family enjoys the school holidays in a safe, fun and relaxed way, Sparky and the Central Networks safety team have also put together a simple guide to staying safe this week:
• Play ball games well away from substations. If your ball has fallen into a substation never try to get it yourself or ask someone else to get it for you. Call Central Networks on 0800 626555 (EAST) or 0800 626441 (WEST) and we will come and rescue your ball safely, as quickly as we can;
• Never fly kites or model aircraft anywhere near overhead lines because electricity can travel down string. If your kite gets tangled in the cables ring Central Networks immediately, someone else could get hurt or even killed by touching the hanging string.;
• ‘Look Out and Look Up’ when fishing and don’t fish anywhere near overhead power lines, poles or pylons as modern carbon fibre rods conduct electricity.
For further free information and advice please see our website www.central-networks.co.uk.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity.
• The Power Discovery Zone website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) is designed to support Central Networks Power Discovery Bus which is a free resource that visits local schools to teach pupils about electricity and electrical safety.
• Anyone who would like the bus to visit a school, safety event or show can call 01332 39 38 49 or visit www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher’s Zone.
For further information contact:
Kathy Doyle on 024 7642 4292
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