Kite flying is a wonderful Grenadian tradition observed particularly in the month preceding and during Easter and dates back long before there were power lines.
While this tradition is enjoyed by people of all ages, we need to remain mindful that:
- It can be dangerous or even fatal if the kite contacts an energised line.
- It can trigger outages that can cost businesses and residential customers lost time and damaged equipment.
Electrical currents always seek the quickest route to the ground. A kite string that is wet, dirty or contains metal or any other conductive material, can detour the electricity from the power line to the ground, using the string and the person flying the kite as conductors.
While having fun flying your kite, be safe by remembering these tips:
- Fly kites in open areas and away from electricity poles, overhead power lines, trees and other obstacles.
- Fly your kite only as far as you can see it.
- Only fly kites that you can safely control.
- When you leave your kite flying at night, it is out of your control and it disturbs others in close proximity.
- Don’t fly kites over or near roads, the airport or in the flight paths indicated by the Airport Authorities and the Royal Grenada Police Force.
- If a kite is caught in a tree, check to ensure there aren’t any power lines near the tree. If there are, do not climb to retrieve the kite.
- If a kite does get caught in overhead power lines, release the string at once. Do not attempt to get it, do not pull the string or climb the power pole.
- Kites caught in power lines can cause outages leaving you and your neighbours without lights, television and other things you enjoy.
- NEVER attempt to retrieve any kite caught in a power line. Instead, call Grenlec at 237 to report the incident to our 24-hr. fault line operator
Our traditions are important,
but not more valuable than your life.
Let’s remain safe and be considerate, while having fun!