Every year, stormy weather and high winds cause vegetation and debris to blow into powerlines, causing power outages and safety hazards.
It happens most during summer and winter storm seasons – but we know storms can hit any time during the year.
It’s important to be prepared and know how to respond if vegetation or debris is blown into the electricity network – damaged powerlines can cause safety hazards and power outages for your and your neighbours.
The main thing to know is if you see a fallen or damaged powerline in your community, make the safe call to Western Power immediately on 13 13 51. We will make the area safe and work to restore power as quickly as possible.
Depending where the tree is located, it could be your responsibility, your neighbour’s or the local council/share. This article explains whose responsibility it is.
Vehicles contact power poles more often than you’d think.
If you crashed into a power pole and a powerline was draped across your vehicle, would you stay in the car or get out?
If you’re confronted with a fallen powerline, always assume it’s live. It all has to do with step potential.
See step potential in action and how to avoid it in this short video:
When a live powerline hits the ground, electricity passes into the earth and fans outwards, with the voltage reducing the further away from the point of ground contact.
If you have a foot in one zone, and your other foot in another zone, the voltage difference would travel through your body and give you a hazardous shock.
So if you’re faced with a fallen powerline in your immediate area, here’s what to do:
Road traffic accidents involving powerlines or poles are more common than you think. In 2016, 203 cars, trucks and equipment came into contact with our network.
If you are unfortunate to be in a road accident that results in a powerline draped over or next to your vehicle, your actions are simple:
If a storm, vehicle or tree has brought down a powerline next to you – or you accidently walk into an area close to a fallen powerline – follow these steps:
It’s important to remember this simple advice if you come face to face with a powerline on the ground, on top of your car or in your immediate vicinity.