Published: 29 Dec 2011
Ergon Energy is re-checking disaster response preparations in anticipation of potential flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Grant as its weather system crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“With current forecasts indicating that this system could either re-form to cyclonic strength or leave a tropical low system over the Gulf or part of the far North, we are on standby for possible impacts,” Acting Manager Regional Services Graham Lynes said.
Mr Lynes said Ergon Energy’s Northern Regional Disaster Management Committee were on standby to ensure all emergency response preparations were in place.
“Ergon Energy is ready to respond if and where we are needed and this is a good time for our customers to ensure they are ready too,” Mr Lynes said.
He said localised flooding was perhaps the most likely threat to the electricity network depending on the outcome of ex-Tropical Cyclone Grant.
“While the far North’s terrain and our network can generally stand up to much of what the wet season throws at it, extraordinary and catastrophic weather events can nonetheless take their toll,” Mr Lynes said.
“Residents should have their cyclone emergency kits ready and refreshed and of course heed all warnings or official directions.”
Mr Lynes reminded residents to be on the lookout for fallen powerlines during and after major weather events and to keep out of flood waters at all times.
Residents in flood-prone areas have also been reminded to:
- Not use switches or electrical appliances which are wet.
- Not use any electrical appliance or installation with wet hands, or if you are standing in water.
- Switch off appliances at the wall if there is a threat of water entering your premises.
- Have any appliances or wiring which has been wet checked by a qualified electrician before using.
- Use generators with particular care – including not connecting a generator to household wiring unless a proper isolation system has been set up on wiring by an electrician to ensure power is not fed back into Ergon Energy’s system.
“Our crews will be on call around the clock to ensure the safety of our customers and we thank the local community for their assistance and support in this job,” Mr Lynes said.Contact: Mark Timmerman
Phone: (07) 4727 5731