NORTHERN Powergrid which provides energy for families across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is urging parents to add safety to this year’s Christmas list as pupils break up for the festive holidays.

The company is reminding parents and guardians across the region to help spread vital safety messages this Christmas by talking to their children about the potential dangers of electricity.

The network operator, which keeps the power flowing to 3.9 million homes and businesses, wants children to be aware that retrieving items from substations or Northern Powergrid’s network is extremely dangerous.

If someone spots anything potentially unsafe they must call the company’s 24-hour emergency contact centre team by dialling 105 and an engineering team will be sent out to assist.

Geoff Earl, Northern Powergrid’s director of safety, health and environment, said: “As thousands of children across the region break up for the Christmas holidays and are outdoors enjoying their new Christmas presents over the next few weeks, it’s vital they know how to play safe and stays away from power lines and substation.

“We want them to understand the dangers so they’re able to keep themselves safe over the festive period.

“Christmas might be a little different this year due to the pandemic but it’s important to make the time for a simple two-minute chat to remind your children about the potential hazards and ensure 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.

“We also have a free safety activity booklet featuring our Team Powergrid superheroes to help bring the safety message home in a fun way and help keep the kids entertained.”

The free safety activity booklet is available at https://www.northernpowergrid.com/education-kids-activities There is also a video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXH5hAxn95U&feature=youtu.be.