Caravanners are being urged to keep an eye out for any overhead power lines if they are taking their caravan to a pop-up site.
An increasing amount of temporary pop-up sites are emerging this summer to meet the needs of the record number of Brits enjoying a staycation.
UK Power Networks is now telling anyone heading out to ‘Look Out and Look Up’ to check they will not be settling down anywhere near overhead power lines.
If you are taking your caravan to a pop-up site, the company advises you to:
– Avoid pitching caravans or tents either directly under or close to overhead power lines, where possible
– Factor in any overhead lines when putting up TV aerials or radio masts
– Take care when carrying any long objects – such as TV aerials – as electricity can jump across gaps. Instead, carry them horizontally and parallel with the ground
– Avoid attaching or tying anything to electricity poles, pylons or electrical equipment
– Don’t light a fire underneath an overhead line. The heat produced could cause the wires to sag and / or break
Debbie Chachulski, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves this summer, but would always encourage people to consider their safety and take the time to understand the risks of their surroundings.”
A commercial pop-up campsite can open for up to 56 days without needing planning permission.
“Temporary campsites will enable many of us to have a fantastic holiday this year, but you could have the potentially worrying combination of people visiting who may not have camped much before, staying at pop-up venues who are new to hosting so our message is to take care.”
“We would caution people to be mindful where they place tent poles or washing lines and wary where they start any campfires, or if they try a leisure activity they haven’t done before such as fishing.”
“Overhead power lines are far more common in the countryside than towns and much of the equipment associated with camping and caravanning can easily conduct electricity so it is always wise to ‘Look Out and Look Up’ first and then follow some simple guidelines.”
“Cables and power lines can carry anything from 230 volts to 132,000 volts and even coming into contact with the lowest voltage cables can be fatal.”
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We want everyone to enjoy themselves this summer, but would always encourage people to consider their safety and take the time to understand the risks of their surroundings.
