QUEENSLANDERS are being reminded to pick up a phone instead of a powerline this storm season.
Fallen powerlines can kill instantly as they can still be live with high voltage.
"There have been a couple of incidents recently where there has been some extremely risky behaviour, including a person who took it upon himself to move powerlines after a storm," said Energy Minister Mark Bailey.
"Everyone must please keep safety at the very front of their mind before, during and after any severe weather event because it's likely there will be fallen powerlines."
If you come across fallen powerlines:
- Keep well clear of powerlines that have fallen or are hanging low and never touch or move them.
- Treat all fallen wires as 'live' - because they could be.
- Warn others to keep clear.
- Do not try to rescue someone you believe is receiving an electric shock - call for help. The result of a rescue attempt could be more than one victim.
- Fallen powerlines can be hidden by vegetation. It's important to keep clear of vegetated areas after storms/winds.
- Do not drive over fallen powerlines.
- Remain vigilant in areas where powerlines may have fallen or may be hanging low.
- Beware foreign objects dangling from wires - keep well clear as they can be 'live' too.
- If wires have fallen on a vehicle stay in the vehicle, until advised by authorities that it's safe to exit.
Fallen powerlines can be reported to Triple 000, Ergon Energy in regional Queensland on 13-74-66 or Energex in South East Queensland on 13-19-62.