NORTHERN POWERGRID URGES PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO TALK ABOUT ELECTRICITY SAFETY THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Northern Powergrid, the company that powers everyday life for 8 million people across 3.9 million homes and businesses, in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is reminding parents and guardians to add a safety chat with their loved ones to the Christmas to-do list.

With pupils breaking up for the festive holidays, it’s essential that they know to stay away from the power network, including substations and overhead power lines. The network operator is reminding parents and guardians across the region to help spread this vital safety message this Christmas by talking to their children about the potential dangers of electricity.

Northern Powergrid wants children to know that retrieving items from substations or its network is extremely dangerous. If someone spots anything potentially unsafe, they must call the company’s 24-hour contact centre team by dialling 105 and a team, who have the specialist training and equipment, will be sent out to assist.

Gareth Pearson, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Health, Safety and Training, said: “With thousands of children across the region breaking up for the Christmas holidays and potentially heading outdoors to enjoy their new Christmas presents over the next few weeks, it’s vital they know how to play safe and stay away from power lines and substations.  We want them to understand the dangers so they’re able to keep themselves safe.

“We know it’s a busy at Christmas, but it’s essential to take the time for a simple two-minute chat to remind your children about the potential hazards. Making sure they know to contact Northern Powergrid by calling 105 if they accidentally kick their new football into a substation or spot something hanging from our power lines, could potentially save a life. 

“We have created an animation to help parents talk to children, which can also be shared with them, about the dangers of electricity as well as a safety activity booklet which helps bring the safety message home in a fun way and keeps the kids entertained.”

Northern Powergrid’s animation is primarily aimed at parents and guardians but has been created in a way which means it can be shared with children as part of any discussions about staying safe. The animation has been shared as part of a digital campaign. The network operator also has a range of free resources to help parents, guardians and teachers on northernpowergrid.com/education.

To report an electricity network safety issue contact Northern Powergrid by calling 105. The national three-digit number, which is free to call, automatically directs people to their electricity distributor. Information about power cuts or how to get extra support is also available on northernpowergrid.com or 24/7 on social media (Facebook and @NorthPowergrid).

Northern Powergrid also offers free Priority Services Membership to customers who may need additional advice or support due to their medical or personal circumstances. Visit www.northernpowergrid.com/care to join.