Vector launches 'StaySafe' childrens programme

23 March 2005

Vector launches 'StaySafe' childrens programme in central Auckland

Vector today launched a comprehensive school safety roadshow in central Auckland which aims to educate children about the dangers of playing on and around electricity equipment.

As part of the launch, Vector's dedicated Child Safety Coordinator, Tracey Rayner, visited Chaucer School in Blockhouse Bay today to promote the ‘Stay Safe’ programme.

The programme, which was developed to educate children about the dangers of playing on and around electricity equipment, targets children in years 3 to 6 and will visit schools in the Auckland and Wellington regions over the next twelve months. It has been developed to provide kids with a fun, interactive educational experience regarding the dangers of electricity.

Mrs Rayner says that the 'StaySafe' programme is initially aimed at children aged 7 to 11 given research has shown they are considered to be most at risk.

"As Auckland and Wellington’s electricity network, Vector manages thousands of pieces of ‘live’ electricity equipment in the community every day. Children are naturally curious around such equipment and that can be an extremely dangerous combination. '

StaySafe' helps children become more aware of the potential dangers of electricity in a fun and engaging way. We also hope they then take this knowledge home to other siblings and family members."

The programme was developed following two incidents on Vector’s networks where children were injured while playing around electricity equipment.

"Fortunately, neither of the accidents proved fatal but the children still received broken limbs, severe burns and other serious injuries.

There are around one hundred thousand children1 in years 3 to 6 at Auckland and Wellington's primary schools and our main aim is to visit the majority of them over the coming year. You can never be too careful around electricity and we’re hoping the programme will be well supported by schools in the region."

The 'StaySafe' content has been developed based on a combination of overseas content and local material gathered from children, parents and teachers in Vector’s local communities. The programme includes an interactive presentation from Mrs Rayner, a video and workbooks for the kids to take home. A website, www.vectorsafety.co.nz, has also been developed and has a range of information on how to keep kids safe, including additional materials for teachers and fun quizzes for the kids.

In addition to the ongoing school safety programme, Mrs Rayner will also be attending selected safety-related events over the course of 2005. She can be found at the Kids Fair 2005 (www.kidsfair.co.nz), to be held at the Auckland Showgrounds on July 9-11. At the event, in addition to having a fun and informative stall, Mrs Rayner will be running a safety-related colouring competition, giving kids a chance to win various prizes, including movie tickets.

ENDS

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