Safety Heroes get set for storm season

Area Manager Katrina Lennon said it would be one of the highlights of Electrical Safety Fortnight, which runs from 1-12 September.

“This year a record 99% of Queensland primary schools have registered for the program, which reinforces the value of teaching students from Prep to Year 6 how electricity works and how to stay safe around it,” Ms Lennon said.

“The aftermath of the floods and Cyclone Alfred will be fresh in the minds of many Queenslanders and it’s important that people of all ages know exactly what to do when they are faced with electrical hazards at home and in the community.”

One of the biggest risks when severe weather strikes is fallen powerlines, which can be brought down by falling trees, flying branches and other airborne debris.

As part of the Safety Heroes program, the children are taught to stay at least ten metres away from these deadly hazards and tell an adult to report them to emergency services on 000.

Ms Lennon said ‘Electricity and water don’t mix’ was another lifesaving lesson that applied every day of the week and especially during floods.

“The children learn that water is a good conductor of electricity, so they should never use wet electrical appliances or power points that have been submerged.

“Floodwaters can conceal many hazards, including fallen powerlines, so we remind children never to enter swollen creeks or rivers.

“Our Safety Heroes have a thirst for knowledge and even teachers can learn a thing or two during our electrical safety presentations, where we share real life examples based on our personal and professional experiences,” she said.

Dozens of Ergon Energy and Energex team members have put their hands up to do Safety Heroes presentations at Queensland primary schools this year.