IF a tree or branch has come down onto power lines near your home, don’t immediately call the SES – call the power supply company.
The power company’s crews will come out and isolate the power from the lines, and, in some cases, also remove the fallen tree or branch.
“When we have multiple calls for assistance during a major weather event, it can be frustrating if we have to go to a job only to find that power lines are involved and are still live,” Chelsea SES controller Ron Fitch said.
“We cannot do anything while we wait for the power company and the time this takes could mean other jobs are held up.”
Homeowners and tenants should never touch cables or power lines and should always assume they are live.
“Safety is paramount, so make sure you stay well away from the area and ensure no one else goes near them until the authorities arrive,” Mr Fitch said.
If the tree or branch is still a problem when the power has been disconnected, or repaired and reconnected, and the area has been declared safe by the power company, call the SES on 132 500. They will be happy to help.
If a nature strip tree has come down and is blocking a roadway, but power lines are also involved, again, call the power supply company. If no power lines are involved, call the SES on 132 500 and a crew will be dispatched immediately.
Winter is the time to make sure all gutters and downpipes are clear before the rains begin and you find yourself with water running down the walls or through light fittings.
Check around outside and, if branches are overhanging the roof, carport, shed, driveway or garage, trim them back.
A little prevention now can save so much heartache later.
“Some people think of the SES as a gardening service and want us to look after the basic maintenance around their house,” SES deputy operations controller Evette Davis said.
“But it is too late once a tree has come down, or the rain has come through, and we can only help to clean up the mess that’s left behind.”
Another simple message is: never enter floodwater. Don’t drive, walk or cycle through floodwaters as you have no idea what is in the water, what is below the surface, or what is no longer below the water’s surface.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 June 2016