22 November 2007 11:45 Central Networks’ schools safety truck powers into Derbyshire
Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is taking its electricity safety vehicle into two Derby schools tomorrow and next week to teach children about the dangers that electricity can pose.
Children from Chellaston Junior School and Cherry Tree Junior School will build electrical circuits with buzzers, motors and lights, take part in electrical experiments including using a mini generator and watch a safety video in the specially-designed truck.
With an emphasis on learning through fun, the truck also features a "Hazard Valley" - a model landscape with both urban and rural scenes containing potential hazards for the children to spot.
Dave Wellbourne, Network and Public Safety Adviser with Central Networks said: "Safety is a big priority for us and the Power Discovery Truck is a great way for us to communicate safety messages to school children in Derbyshire.
"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 use a fun and interactive way 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 brightly painted truck is fitted out with a range of activities designed to make it fun and exciting for visiting youngsters to learn key safety lessons.
The Power Discovery Truck is a free educational resource for primary schools across the Midlands. Teachers who would like to request a visit from the truck to their school should visit www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher's Zone.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Chellaston Junior School, Chellaston, Derby, will be visited by the Power Discovery Truck on 23rd November;
- Cherry Tree Junior School, Derby will be visited by the Power Discovery Truck on 28th November;
- Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England 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:
Jamee Majid on 024 76188 3679
A selection of Central Networks pictures, including images of the Power Discovery Truck, is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution