A new safety campaign developed by Horizon Power, demonstrating the dangerous nature of fallen power lines, will air in regional Western Australia across TV, radio, print and digital channels this month.
The Stay 10 Metres Away safety campaign shows a tree branch falling on, and breaking, a powerline which drops to the ground, emitting enough electricity to light up a giant fluorescent sign. The scene demonstrates the danger of the energised ground surrounding the fallen powerline, with levels of electricity that could be fatal for anyone coming into contact with it.
In just over two years there have been 275 incidents in which powerlines have brought been down in Horizon Power’s service area. Of these incidents, up to 100 were caused by vehicles knocking over poles. Other causes were the result of trees hitting lines, high winds and equipment impacting lines.
Horizon Power Acting General Manager Operations Ziggy Wilk said that with the start of cyclone season the safety campaign was a timely reminder of the importance of staying away from fallen powerlines and reporting them immediately to Horizon Power.
“The safety of the public is paramount. Fallen powerlines can be deadly and unfortunately we often can’t control things like weather, vehicle collisions, and vegetation coming into contact with powerlines, which are the reasons behind these incidents. We believe it is important for everyone to know what to do if they see a fallen powerline and this is the reason for this important awareness campaign,” Mr Wilk said.
The purpose of the campaign is to reduce the risk of electrocution by warning people stay clear of fallen powerlines and to educate people about the best course of action – stay clear and call Horizon Power immediately.
If you see a fallen power line call Horizon Power on 13 23 51 for assistance.
Visit our fallen powerlines page for more information on how to stay safe around damaged electrical infrastructure.
About Horizon Power
Horizon Power is a Government Trading Enterprise which generates, distributes and retails electricity to more than 48,000 connections in regional and remote Western Australia.
The utility’s service area is vast – approximately 2.3 million square kilometres – which means Horizon Power services the biggest area with the least amount of customers in the world. For every 50 square kilometres of terrain, there is just one customer.
For more information about Horizon Power, visit www.horizonpower.com.au.
Media contact
For media enquiries, please telephone Communications Consultant Rebekah Spencer.
Phone: 1800 799 745
Mobile: 0476 829 679
Email: rebekah.spencer@horizonpower.com.au