Energy Safe Victoria [ESV] is urging Victorians in flood-affected areas to be wary around powerlines.
ESV is reminding Victorians, such as those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, to consider all hazards before carrying out any winching activities, taking into account overhead powerlines and the condition of the ground.
If the community is using a tree as an anchor point, ensure it is far enough away from any powerlines so that if it does fall, powerlines will not be impacted.
ESV chairperson and commissioner Marnie Williams said motorists should be extra vigilant when driving in flood-impacted areas.
“It…serves as a warning to avoid using trees or any potentially unstable objects to winch bogged vehicles,” she said.
ESV said this may be particularly important in Victoria’s flood-affected areas where the chances of getting a vehicle bogged has been much higher this year.
Other recommendations include to never use a power pole or transmission tower as an anchor point when winching a vehicle as they are not designed for this purpose and may be damaged and it is illegal to damage or interfere with the electricity networks and if powerlines have fallen, stay at least eight to ten metres away, as a person can still be shocked when approaching.
Details: esv.vic.gov.au/campaigns/look-up-and-live
