While many local authorities and communities hold official bonfire and fireworks displays, SSEN is aware that people may be holding their own private celebrations and wants to provide them with the information and advice they need to ensure they stay a safe distance from electricity equipment, such as overhead power lines, substations and transformers.
In addition to taking guidance from its easily accessible and comprehensive Safety website, SSEN is encouraging people who are planning on hosting bonfires and firework displays to inspect the area during daylight, so that overhead lines and other equipment can be safely avoided.
And it’s not just what’s above fires and firework displays that can cause problems, which is why the distribution operator is working with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society this year to ask customers to also check below and within their bonfires for any hibernating hedgehogs.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society said:
“A bonfire pile looks like a 5 star hotel to a hedgehog seeking a safe and cosy winter home to hibernate in; they don’t know that it’s going to be set alight. Only build bonfires on the day they will be lit and check piles before lighting, then light from one side to give hedgehogs a final chance to escape.
“Taking just a few extra minutes to check what’s above and within your bonfire really can help save lives across all members of the community.”
Peter Vujanic, Head of Safety for SSEN Distribution said:
“Nearby smoke, heat and fire can all damage overhead power lines, and the debris from rockets can land on substation equipment, making it important to keep these activities safely away from power infrastructure.
“It only takes a few minutes to look around and check if your firework displays or bonfires are near to the power infrastructure, so you can relocate them if needed. Please avoid any areas where you could be close to overhead equipment, including near overhead lines or substations.”
Peter continued:
“This year, we’re also asking people to spare some time to check any bonfires they have pre-prepared to ensure no wildlife could be within.
"This is a special time of year for many people and their communities to enjoy together, and our main aim is that that they enjoy their celebrations as much as possible, and that means keeping themselves and others safe.”
SSEN asks customer to never approach any areas of damage to its network and encourages customers to report power cuts or damage to SSEN's equipment by calling the freephone emergency power cut number 105, or by reporting it via SSEN's Power Track website.
For more information on safety around power lines and electrical equipment, please visit ssen.co.uk/safety.
Anyone who comes across a sick, injured or hibernating hedgehog is asked to contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801, via their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk, or to use the helpwildlife.co.uk/map to find their local rescue facility.