Electrical industry prepares for massive flood clean-up

NECA’s Media and Communications Manager, Dominic Feenan, said that the safety inspections required for every home and building that has been inundated with water throughout Queensland is going to be a significant challenge for the industry.

“NECA fully endorses the safety first approach of the Queensland Government and electricity distributors that will require every home and building affected by the floods to have an inspection to ensure it is safe before the electricity is reconnected,” said Feenan. “Safety must come first and when you hear figures of over 30,000 homes being flooded plus many businesses you can start to understand the magnitude of the inspection process.

“Residents should be prepared that non-essential electrical services may take much longer to be fully connected and inspected while basic services will be the priority.

“It will be important to get some general power outlets and lights working first so fridges, cooking appliances and office equipment can be used before things like swimming pool filters or wiring in sheds can be tested and fixed.”

Electrical contractors from across Australia are making enquiries as to how they can help and NECA is working with authorities to prioritise the work. NECA has received phone calls and emails from electrical contractors based in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia who are willing to travel to Queensland and help with the inspection process.

“The support of NECA members and the industry has been fantastic and NECA will continue to work with the authorities to ensure as many licensed electrical contractors as possible can begin the safety inspections so electricity can be reconnected as soon as possible,” Feenan added.

Any licensed electrical contractor interested in helping should visit the NECA website at www.neca.asn.au for information on how they can register to assist in the inspection process.