Radnor cops warn kids about dangers of construction sites
RADNOR >> Police were called to construction sites twice this week and that is two times too many for Police Superintendent Chris Flanagan.
The incidents happened Wednesday around 3 p.m., Flanagan said. Children, who appeared to be middle school age, were playing in a construction ditch on the 200 block of North Wayne Avenue and other kids were inside an area where the North Wayne Field basin is under reconstruction. A boy climbed up on an excavator boom, Flanagan said. By the time police arrived, the children had left, he said.
“We really want to warn parents about true dangers of construction sites,” said Flanagan. “We have to make sure people are aware of how dangerous construction sites are.” Although both areas are fenced off, kids still found their way inside, he said.
To warn parents, township officials put a notice on the township website and Facebook page. They also informed the Radnor Township School District and private schools in the area, Flanagan said.
“We’re concerned the one construction job is in that park,” he said.
The warning states, “The Radnor Township Police would like to remind our residents of the importance of not allowing children to play in, near, or around construction sites. Construction sites are fenced off for a reason and often have many hidden dangers.
The reason is to keep people, animals/pets and especially children out. Construction sites often contain large-heavy vehicles, pits, dirt piles, trenches or manholes where children may fall. Serious injuries can result. Please, use good judgement and educate your children on the dangers of construction sites.” Construction sites are in several areas of the township.
Michael Petitti, a spokesman for the school district, said the district is cooperating with the township to get the warning out and will send a message to parents in its weekly newsletter.