Play Safe, Stay Safe this Half Term Break
08 February 2024 16:00
Half term is fast approaching, and NI Water would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and young people about the dangers of playing near treatment works, reservoirs and construction sites.
Patricia Mc Kee, Facilities Senior Manager at NI Water, explains:
“When the school holidays come around children and young people tend to have more free time, and this can lead to exploring some of the NI Water sites. These sites are not playgrounds and fooling around at or near them can have very serious consequences.
“I would urge all parents to explain to their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas. The remoteness of many of our sites could hamper and delay rescue attempts, should such a need arise.
“I am also asking the local community to be vigilant against vandalism at NI Water sites. In recent months we have seen scrambler damage putting the public at risk at Woodburn Reservoir. 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
All media enquiries to press.office@niwater.com