Take extra care when you are near anything electrical

The summer holidays are beginning, which will mean lots more time to play outdoors.

Playing football, exploring the countryside, fishing and flying kites are all great ways to have fun but did you know you have to be really careful doing these near anything electrical?

Electricity is very powerful and can be really dangerous outdoors as well as in the home.

Here are seven top tips for keeping safe outdoors this summer:

• If you fly a kite and it gets caught in overhead power lines, electricity could travel down the string and seriously hurt you. So be careful! Avoid flying them anywhere near power lines.

• Never climb a tree that is near power lines. Electricity can jump gaps so look up before you climb!
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• If you kick a football into an electricity substation, don't go to fetch it, even if it looks close. Ask an adult to call the electricity company. You will not get into trouble and the electricity engineers can get the ball out safely.

• After a summer storm if you see some fallen power lines, stay well clear of them, because they are probably still alive' and could hurt you.

• Never carry or use long objects like fishing lines where they can touch overhead power lines. If they touch, electricity can travel down them and through you to the ground, giving you a severe electric shock.

• It is much better to play in open spaces where there are no electricity wires, pylons or substations
• Roadworks have barriers round them to stop people falling down holes in the road or path. Keep outside the barriers, which are there to keep you safe.

Tony House from Southern Electric said "We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but it's really important you understand that electricity is dangerous and children can receive burns and electric shocks.

"Follow these simple tips and you can stay safe this summer."

9:04am Thursday 17th July 2008

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