As the days grow longer and the evenings lighter, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is urging people to play safe near power lines and electrical equipment.

This follows a recent incident in Orkney where a kite became tangled in SSEN's overhead power lines. This resulted in an emergency power outage to ensure the safety of the community while the kite was recovered.

Children and parents alike are reminded to be aware of the overhead network as kites, drones and model aircraft can get caught and become a dangerous hazard.

Dale Cargill, Director of Customer Operations for SSEN's distribution network in the north of Scotland said:

"Playing with high-flying equipment around power lines can be dangerous. If you are flying a kite and it gets caught in the overhead power lines, the electricity can travel down the cord and potentially cause serious injury. Thankfully, a member of the public noticed the kite was stuck and reported it, so we could safely retrieve it and prevent anyone from getting hurt."

"As we enter the spring months and people are outside playing for longer, I'd urge everyone to keep a lookout for overhead lines before they start their activity. If your kite, drone or model aircraft makes contact or becomes entangled with our overhead lines, please don't try to retrieve it, please contact us on the emergency number 105."

SSEN has created a series of helpful tips that are designed to help its customers enjoy the better weather and longer evenings while steering clear of any electrical danger.

If a kite or toy is blown towards an electricity line you should:

  • Let go of the string or any control wire immediately;
  • Don't attempt to pull the kite free, high voltage electricity can travel down the string;
  • Keep yourself and other people well away; and
  • Ring our emergency number, 105 and we will safely remove the toys for you - you must make sure you tell somebody as someone else could get hurt by touching it.

Model planes and drones can travel at very high speeds. If they strike a power line or crash into a substation, they can potentially damage an important piece of equipment and cause a power cut. Although playing near substations should always be avoided, sometimes toys can get stuck inside the fence. It is important that you do not try and retrieve the items yourself, even if they look like they are in reach.

For more information, please visit ssen.co.uk/ChildrensSafety.