NIE urges Harberton pupils to be Kidzsafe

8 Mar 2010

Harberton after school club experienced some powerful extra-curricular activity last week as they learned to play safe with Northern Ireland Electricity.

Margaret Gallagher, Safety Officer for Northern Ireland Electricity, visited Harberton Primary’s After School Club to remind pupils about the dangers of electricity, and what they can do to keep themselves and their families safe.

The visit is part of “Kidzsafe”, NIE’s education initiative to encourage children to play safely near electricity equipment. Margaret says everyone should be aware of the dangers of electricity. “Kidzsafe is a safety programme for primary school pupils across Northern Ireland. The initiative allows parents, teachers and children to learn together using online fact sheets and interactive games as well as school talks and demonstrations. It is essential that children and their parents understand that electricity is safe when left alone, but can be potentially fatal when tampered with.

“During the weekends and after school children generally play outside and we would urge them to be aware of their surroundings. Anyone can be seriously injured or killed by coming into contact with overhead electricity lines and equipment while fishing, flying kites, sailing or even pitching tents.”

Margaret’s advice is simple but potentially life saving to the young and old alike.
• Never bring an object close to overhead lines – electricity can jump gaps so keep well clear especially when fishing or kite flying.
• Never throw anything at overhead lines or any electricity equipment.
• Do not try to climb on top of or enter into a substation to retrieve a toy or football. It is not worth risking a life over a toy. Every substation has a sign with a telephone number to contact the local NIE representative.
• If anything makes contact with an overhead line, do not try to retrieve it – contact NIE immediately on 08457 643 643.
• Never touch or tamper with electrical equipment or wires inside or outside your home.

“It is crucial that children appreciate the dangers of playing near electricity substations and overhead lines. Electricity pylons, pole and substations can attract adventurous youngsters but our advice is simple – stay safe by staying away from electricity equipment.”

Headmaster of Harberton Primary School, Martin McGlade, is delighted pupils at the school are benefiting. “Safety initiatives like Kidzsafe help reinforce the message to children to take care when playing outside. This is a timely reminder to all pupils at Harberton to be aware of where they are playing and to play safe.”

For more information about the programme, visit Kidzsafe at www.niesafety.co.uk .

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