NI Water issues Halloween warning over dangers at reservoirs and construction sites
NI Water is urging children and young people across Northern Ireland to stay away from reservoirs, treatment works and construction sites during the Halloween holidays, warning that seeking thrills in dangerous locations could have serious consequences.
The organisation has issued the safety reminder ahead of Halloween on Saturday 31 October, amid concerns about young people entering restricted sites and taking unnecessary risks.
NI Water says its operational sites are not suitable for recreation and that fences, barriers and warning signs are in place to protect the public from potentially serious injury.
NI Water Halloween safety warning highlights dangerous sites
NI Water Facilities Manager Patricia McKee warned that the Halloween period can encourage some young people to explore places they know are off limits.
She said there had been an increase in young people taking risks to attract attention on social media, with potentially dangerous consequences.
According to NI Water, what may appear to be harmless fun can quickly become a serious incident when young people enter restricted areas containing deep water, machinery, trenches or other hazards.
The organisation is reminding parents and guardians to speak to children about the dangers of entering operational sites.
Reservoirs and construction sites pose serious risks
NI Water has highlighted several hazards that children and young people should be aware of during the Halloween holidays.
Fences and barriers surrounding construction sites are designed to prevent access to dangerous areas and should never be climbed.
Open trenches and manholes can be deep and hazardous, with some potentially containing dangerous gases.
Construction equipment, including diggers, lorries and exposed pipes, can also present significant risks.
Young people are being warned not to approach or touch machinery and to take particular care around roads and construction vehicles.
Reservoirs and water treatment facilities are especially dangerous locations, and members of the public should always obey warning signs and stay outside restricted areas.
NI Water also warned that some of its sites are isolated and may have poor mobile phone reception, making it difficult to contact emergency services if an accident occurs.
Public urged to report vandalism and antisocial behaviour
Alongside the safety warning, NI Water is encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant and report vandalism or antisocial behaviour at its facilities.
The organisation says trespassing, vandalism, scrambler use, dog fouling and dogs being allowed off leads can disrupt operations and divert resources away from essential services.
NI Water maintains infrastructure across Northern Ireland, including reservoirs, treatment works and construction sites, many of which contain hazards that may not be immediately obvious to visitors.
Families encouraged to make safe choices this Halloween
With Halloween celebrations taking place across Northern Ireland this weekend, NI Water is reminding families that restricted operational sites should never be used as places to play or explore.
The organisation is encouraging young people to enjoy Halloween activities in safe, appropriate locations and to respect barriers and warning signs.
Its message is simple: stay away from dangerous sites, avoid unnecessary risks and leave the Halloween scares to the celebrations.
External link: NI Water official website.
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