Safety Advice For Today's Extreme Weather

**** EMBARGOED 6 AM, 11.01.10 ****

MEDIA STATEMENT

11 January 2010

Electricity safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), warns that some areas across the state could experience power cuts today because of the forecast hot weather and strong winds.

ESV provides the following tips for households for the safe and efficient use of electricity during today's extreme weather.

* Restrict the use of electricity in the home to avoid overloading the power
system.

* Turn off lights if not required. This action will reduce heat in the property;

* Do not set the thermostat for air conditioning systems at temperatures below
25 deg.C;

* Ensure that air conditioning systems are serviced regularly so that they
operate effectively and are not overloaded;

* Do not use electrical appliances close to swimming pools or in the pools
themselves. An electric shock received in the swimming pool area is more
likely to be fatal than in other locations;

* If using appliances, such as coolers or "bug zappers" for the first time,
ensure they are in good working order;

* Avoid the overuse of powerboards and extension leads to power appliances;

* Do not use any appliances if there is doubt about their condition and safety;

Important electricity safety messages for households


ESV also provides the following safety for households tomorrow:

* When outdoors keep clear of powerlines which have fallen to the ground because
of high winds and make sure others do the same. They could be "live" and
dangerous.

* If electricity supplies have not been restored to homes for any reason,
householders must not connect generators or perform other electrical work
around the home. Such practice is both illegal and dangerous - such work can
only be carried out by licensed electricians.

* Households still without power after electricity supplies have been restored
to their neighbourhood should seek the help of their network provider. The
problem could be a fault in the supply line to the property, or a fault within
the property's electrical installation.

* If there are continuing power supply problems within properties, an
electrician licensed by Energy Safe Victoria must be engaged to perform any
electrical repair work. Contact a registered electrical contractor contact
details are available in local newspapers and Yellow Pages phone directories.

* When there is a power cut, make sure cooling appliances are turned off (if
they come back on and there is no one at the property, fires could eventuate.)

* Where properties have been significantly damaged by storms or strong winds, it
is imperative that checks of wiring and other electrical installations are
made before appliances are connected and turned on. Such checks must be
carried out by a licensed electrician or licensed electrical inspector.

Further information: www.esv.vic.gov.au

In the case of emergencies, household are advised to contact their network provider. Relevant contactdetails for faults and emergencies can be found on power bills.

Victoria's distribution businesses can be contacted on the following numbers:

Powercor 132 412 (outer western suburbs and western Victoria)

CitiPower 131 280 (Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs)

Jemena 131 626 (northern and inner western suburbs)

United Energy 132 099 (inner eastern/south eastern suburbs, Mornington Peninsula)

SP AusNet 13 17 99 (outer eastern and Eastern Victoria)

Further information:

David Guthrie-Jones (03) 9203 9700
Media spokesman 0409 542 083

SOURCE: Energy Safe Victoria