NI Water is asking parents and carers to advise children to practise self-care this Valentine’s half term and stay safe near treatment works, reservoirs and construction sites.
Children and young people can break grown-ups’ hearts if they hurt themselves, or worse by climbing fences at our work sites. Open manholes and trenches are particularly hazardous as they can be deep and contain dangerous gases.
Environmental Outreach and Learning Officer Anna Killen said: “We are asking parents and carers to help protect their much-loved youngsters this half term and remind kids not to go near works sites. We urge young people to stay safe, watch younger children, keep out and not let Valentine’s Day be spent in hospital, or worse.
“With more time on their hands around the upcoming half term holidays, children and young people can be tempted to explore some of the NI Water sites. These sites are not playgrounds or places to hang around at. Gathering with friends near or inside them can have serious consequences.
“I urge parents and carers to explain to children and teenagers the dangers of playing in or around these areas. A child may carry a mobile phone, but this might not be of any use at one of our sites. This is because many sites are in remote areas, meaning if a child finds themselves in danger or has a serious accident, they may not have mobile coverage to call for help.”
Anna said: “I am also asking the local community to be vigilant against vandalism at NI Water sites. This damage can cause major delays in work schedules aimed at providing local communities with a vital service and valuable time and money is wasted repairing such damage.”
NI Water has some simple steps on how to stay safe:
- Don’t climb on barriers and fences - They are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents when NI Water construction work is going on.
- Stay away from trenches and open manholes - They are dirty, deep and dangerous. They may also contain hazardous gases.
- Be careful near roads - never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
- Keep clear of equipment - You may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but don’t be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!
- Obey ‘Danger’ signs - reservoirs and treatment works can be very dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the warning signs.
ENDS
Caption: Cienna McCabe, Jace McCabe and Jack Killen reminding young people to stay out of NI Water sites on the mid-term break
All media enquiries to press.office@niwater.com
