20 October 2008 13:53 Be aware when building bonfires, warns Central Networks

Bright sparks would do well to stay safe and stay clear of the electricity network this Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night season, warns power distribution company Central Networks.

The company is reminding both children and adults across the Midlands to keep well away from its electrical equipment while having fun over the half-term break.

Whether letting off fireworks or arranging your own bonfire, take a second and have a look around for any electrical hazards in the immediate area.

"Building a bonfire or letting off fireworks near to overhead power lines could not only cause a power cut to yourself, your friends and your neighbours, it could also pose a safety danger to those around you while you should be having fun," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"I'm sure everyone, especially children, is looking forward to the Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night and, by remembering a few basic safety rules and not taking unnecessary risks, everyone can have fun and keep themselves safe."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth almost four times - 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;
• Central Networks already takes its electricity safety teaching vehicles, the Power Discovery Zone, into schools across central England to teach children about the dangers posed by electricity;
• Teachers who would like the truck to visit their school should go to www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher's Zone.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

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