The region’s power network operator is urging people across the North West to stay safe on Bonfire Night by keeping away from overhead power lines and electricity substations.
Electricity North West is warning families and event organisers to remember to ‘look up and look out’ this Bonfire Night and be vigilant of any dangers to avoid spoiling celebrations and causing serious harm.
Electricity North West, which is responsible for keeping the lights on for five million customers across the region, is advising everyone to stay clear and keep a safe distance away from power lines and substations.
Vincent Cranny, head of health and safety for Electricity North West, said: “Bonfire Night is a fun-night out for all the family but sometimes the risks are not obvious and interfering with the electricity network can prove fatal.
“The power network includes thousands of substations and miles of overhead power lines and poles across the North West and they all have a yellow danger of death sign on them, so please stay safe by looking up and looking out this Bonfire Night.”
Chris Kenny, chief fire officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We support Electricity North West’s bonfire campaign - bonfires and fireworks can be dangerous if they are not planned or supervised.
“Our firefighters, paramedics, A&E staff and the police often witness the down-side to poor planning or lack of supervision on Bonfire Night and recommend that you visit an organised display instead, they are usually bigger, better and there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family.”
Councillor Barry Doughty, cabinet member for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “If you’re hosting your own event for friends or family, we would ask that you take some basic, common-sense precautions to help keep everyone safe.
“People are not only helping themselves by staying safe – they are assisting us too. This is the busiest time of year for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service so reducing the number of calls we have to attend eases the pressure on our resources.”
To report any safety concerns regarding the power network call Electricity North West immediately on 0800 195 4141 or report it on Twitter @ElectricityNW.
