21 August 2006 00:00 Careless camping can cause chaos warns Central Networks this bank holiday weekend

With thousands of people across the Midlands expected to enjoy a camping break this bank holiday weekend, Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is urging keen campers to ‘Look Up and Look Out’ before they pitch a tent.

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, is sending out this simple message to remind campers and caravanners of the potential dangers of overhead and underground cables and how to be safe around them.

Stephen Hennell, Safety Manager for Central Networks said: “We want people to enjoy themselves and stay safe this bank holiday. Accidents are rare around cables but can cause serious injury and disrupt power to thousands of customers. By following our simple safety advice holiday makers can ensure an incident free break.”

Top tips for camping safety:
• ‘Look Up and Look Out’ for any overhead lines crossing the camp site;
• Never pitch your caravan or tent directly under overhead lines, or within six metres either side of the line – if an overhead line comes into contact with a tent pole, an awning, a fishing rod or kite string it can result in serious injury or even death;
• Treat all overhead lines as live and potentially dangerous;

Stephen said: “Camping and caravanning sites are usually well managed but we would urge people to take the time to familiarise themselves with the area.

“For those holiday makers who go off the beaten track, staying on smaller camping sites or in farmers fields should always take special care to identify any overhead electricity lines that are around.”

For further essential safety information and advice log on to www.central-networks.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 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:
Ellie King on 024 7618 3678
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