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Con Edison Media Relations
Contact: Michael J. Spall
Telephone: (212) 460-4111

For Immediate Release: August 19, 1998

PLAYING AROUND POWER POLES AND EQUIPMENT CAN BE DEADLY

As summer vacation ends and the nice weather continues into the fall, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) wants to remind parents and children about a few important safety tips regarding outdoor electric poles, wires and equipment.

Please keep in mind that extreme caution should always be exercised whenever anyone comes near electrical equipment of any sort. Tampering with or playing around outdoor industrial electrical equipment in particular can result in severe or fatal injuries. This warning is of greater significance to children, who may view electric equipment with curiosity and not fully comprehend the associated danger.

Con Edison urges you to pay careful attention to warnings and all signs near or around electrical equipment. When working and playing outdoors:

Don't climb power poles.
Don't throw toys, sneakers or any other object over electrical wires. Balloons and items attached to strings containing metal wire pose an even greater risk for a potential hazard near wires.
Stay out of high-voltage power line rights-of-way and electric substations, or any place where "Danger: High Voltage" signs are posted.
Always use extreme care when working with metal ladders. Make sure that they don't touch or have the potential to fall on power lines.
Fly kites and balloons in open areas far away from power lines.
Never touch downed wires. Contact Con Edison or the local police department immediately if you notice downed wires.

Con Edison service personnel are available 24-hours-a-day by calling the number listed on your Con Edison bill or in your telephone directory.

Con Edison is one of the nation's largest utility companies, with more than $7 billion in annual revenues and approximately $15 billion in assets. The company, a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York.