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27/10/09Staying safe in the storm season
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson is reminding Queenslanders to stay safe and prepare their properties ahead of the storm and cyclone season.
"Last night's lightning and heavy rain serves as a timely warning to be ready for dangerous weather at any time," Mr Robertson said.
"More than 25,000 South East Queensland homes and businesses had power interruptions due to storms overnight, as lightning strikes and wind-borne objects damaged power lines," he said.
"Hundreds of ENERGEX staff responded to fix the power interruptions, from field crews and network operations controllers to customer call centre staff and other support roles.
"South East Queensland is prone to serious weather, and while many of us enjoy summer storms, we all need to take responsibility and ensure our house and family are well prepared.
"It's important for people to tidy their yards and make sure no loose garden furniture, toys, building materials or dead branches are lying around, that could become projectiles during a storm.
"We also ask people to trim back trees and remove overhanging branches which can affect powerlines," Mr Robertson said.
If members of the public see any powerlines brought down or damaged they are urged to call the ENERGEX emergency line on 13 19 62 and stay clear.
In case power supply is interrupted, they should also have a torch with fresh batteries in case power is interrupted, and have a radio handy to monitor storm information.
ENERGEX emergency response crews are on standby during storms and work hard to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so.
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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