PEOPLE in Inverclyde are being urged to stay safe by keeping away from power lines and other electrical facilities during the October school holidays.

With the mid-term break just a few days away, research by SP Energy Networks has found that less than a quarter of people in the UK are aware of the location of power lines when engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, flying kites, or using drones.

With these activities a staple for many family holidays, a lack of awareness can pose significant risks.

The company has issued a checklist of tips to help people stay safe if enjoying leisure activities out of doors during the holiday period. 

These include:

  • Never pitch a tent or caravan directly under or close to an overhead power line. Always assume power lines are live.
  • If fishing or taking part in water sports and there are overhead power lines in the area, relocate to another location if possible.  If not, keep at least 30m away and cast fishing rods with care.
  • Don’t light fires or BBQs beneath overhead lines and avoid carrying tent poles, ladders or other long objects near overhead wires. Only carry long objects horizontally and at a low-level.
  • Don’t play ball games or use kites near substations and overhead powerlines. Never retrieve lost items from the enclosures around substations – they’re there for a reason.

Call the free national 105 number in a case of an electrical network emergency.

If anyone is injured, call 999 for medical attention.

Derek Bell, health and safety director at SP Energy Networks said: “By following some simple guidelines, we can prevent accidents and make the most of the outdoors.

"These might seem like common-sense precautions, but our experience shows that they are often overlooked. Taking these precautions now can prevent serious consequences later.”