VECO advice: Don’t fly kites near power lines

CEBU, Philippines — The country's second biggest power distributor has cautioned against flying kites near power lines to avoid electrocution and power interruptions.

Although, kite-flying is a summer tradition for many Filipinos, Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO) Assistant Vice President for Engineering Operations Noel Modesto said flying kites near power lines is dangerous.

He said kites entangled in electric lines could start a fire or electrocute the children trying to free their kites from the electric lines.

"Many children, and even adults, look forward to playing with kites during the summer. VECO would just like to remind everyone of the potential hazards of flying kites near power lines,” he said.

He clarified though that the public is still allowed to fly their kites but only in open areas away from the overhead power lines, substations, and other electrical installations.

In Cebu City, City Ordinance 1471 prohibits flying kites near power lines, telecommunication lines and other similar facilities. It also provides that kite flying should only be done in areas that are 3,000 square meters big, which is equivalent to six basketball courts.

The remaining open spaces in Cebu City that satisfy the requirements of the ordinance are mostly in mountain barangays and at the South Road Properties.

Moreover, Modesto said those who fly kites should use cotton, linen or nylon strings, not metal because kites with metal strings can cause electrocution when snagged in power lines.

He added that it is also not advisable to fly kites when drizzling because wet cotton or nylon strings become conductors of electricity and may cause electrocution if these get caught in electric lines.

When their kites get stuck in power lines, he said, owners should immediately call them at 230-8326 or send them a message at VECO’s Facebook page so they can send a crew who are authorized to remove the kites.

The kite owners are also advised to release the string immediately and do not pull it or attempt to climb the electric pole to retrieve the kite.

In 2017, VECO’s Distribution Services Department recorded a total of 38 kite-related incidents, which caused a total of 55.45 hours of power outage.

Last year’s figures, however, were lower compared to 2016 figures, which recorded a total of 74 kite-related incidents that resulted to 122.48 hours of power interruptions.

Modesto said the lower number of kite-related incidents was a good indication that people heeded VECO’s call to be responsible kite flyers

He hopes that the numbers will continue to go down as people are now more aware of the risks that come with kite-flying, as well as the possibility of public disturbance should their kites cause power outages.

"VECO will continue to work hard to inform the public about the hazards of kite flying in areas near power facilities and we look forward to zero kite-related incidents," he said. —KBQ (FREEMAN)