National Emergency Magazine Vol. 4 2014

Getting ready for
storm season
Prepare early for the storm
season by following this summer
checklist to give your family and
property the best chance of staying
safe when severe weather hits.
Before storm season:
Torch, matches, candles, mobile,
phone abd first aid kitTrim over
hanging tree branches.
Do not attempt to trim trees near
powerlines – if a tree is close to a
powerline, call us on 13 12 53.
Secure loose items such as
outdoor furniture and umbrellas,
garden debris, garden tools and
outdoor toys.
Prepare a storm kit. Charge
laptops and mobile phones so
you can check power outage
information on our website.
Register for early severe weather
warning alerts at Australian Early
Warning Network, or for Brisbane
residents, Brisbane City Council's
Early Warning Alert Service.
During a storm:
Wet electricity plugIf a power
interruption occurs, turn off and
unplug electrical items.
Listen to your local radio station,
follow Energex on Facebook
and Twitter or check the power
outages page for the latest
restoration updates.
Never use wet or damp electrical
items.
After a storm:
Stay away from fallen powerlines
and alert people to any danger.
Report fallen powerlines on 13 19
62.
Report a loss of supply on 13
62 62 or to get the latest power
restoration updates.
Follow these steps to plan a
clean-up safely:
Always treat electrical cabling as if
it is live.
Identify any likely asbestos
containing materials or dangerous
chemicals.
Work out the order of the work to
be done so that new risks are not
introduced.
Work out what tools and
equipment will be needed to do
the work safely.
Check the correct equipment is
available and is in good working
order.
Check that the people required to
operate the equipment have the
right skills and competencies and
ensure less skilled workers are
supervised.
Use a torch for light if you’ve lost
power and avoid using candles.