'Play safe, stay safe at Christmas': NI Water issues festive safety call to parents
Northern Ireland Water has issued a festive safety call to parents, asking them to keep an eye on their kids and make sure youngsters don’t stray onto dangerous reservoirs and treatment plants over the Christmas break.
Says the water firm’s senior manager, Patricia McKee: “We know our sites might be tempting to explore, especially when the holidays mean fewer people around.
“But please, keep the festive fun at home and away from our site and facilities – they can be very dangerous.”
Concerned about children heading out to play with their new gifts, the body is asking parents to speak to their kids about the dangers on NI Water sites, especially for people who live in rural areas where it can be difficult to summon the emergency services.
“Parents, please chat with your children about the risks,” said Ms McKee. “Many of our locations are far from towns and have poor phone reception, which could make it harder to get help in an emergency, especially if there’s cold winter weather.
“We also urge everyone to help keep our sites safe from vandalism and anti-social behaviour over Christmas. If you spot anything suspicious, please let the police or NI Water know on 03457 440088. Your support helps us protect the services we provide to your community.”
Adding that “a safe holiday is a happy holiday”, the firm asks people not to climb on fences or barriers, stay away from trenches and open manholes, keep clear of equipment like diggers and pipes, always obey danger signs, and stay away from reservoirs and treatment works.