SINN Féin Councillor for the greater Shantallow area Caoimhe McKnight has urged parents in Derry to warn their children about the dangers of playing near electricity sub stations or electricity pylons during the summer holidays.
Councillor McKnight said: “I would ask parents in the city to try and ensure that they prevent their children from going anywhere near electricity sub stations or electricity pylons.
“And I would appeal also to the young people to understand the risks and to stay away from the likes of electricity sub stations as they are not a playground”
“We all know that children love to climb up, on and over things. Fences are particularly inviting.
“With more children getting outside to play during the summer, it is the perfect time for parents to talk to them about electrical substations and why they must never climb the fences surrounding them”
“An electrical substation has thousands of volts running through it. This can kill someone in an instant.
“Only authorized and trained workers are allowed to work in or near high voltage substations.
“The whole substation is a danger zone, so children have to be prevented from getting near them at all times”
“Electricity is part of our everyday life – designed to provide us with a safe and reliable source of energy, but sometimes it can be dangerous.
“This happens when we’re exposed to it in ways we were not meant to be.
“We can avoid these hazards by following some simple rules and informing children of its dangers,” added Cllr McKnight.