Stay clear of overhead lines and electrical equipment on roads and fields
ESB Networks is advising all electricity customers to be extra vigilant during these times of heavy flooding. The combination of water and electricity is extremely dangerous and vigilance is required at all times to stay safe.
Members of the public are reminded:
- Never to touch electrical appliances, cables or equipment while standing in water or where appliances are wet or in water. Avoid any fallen or reduced height electricity wires or ground-mounted equipment that be partially or fully submerged.
- Flooding to land, roadways, rivers and streams create particular dangers, with members of the public much closer to the overhead wires because of the change in levels. Particularly care is required in by boat-users in flood waters when crossing beneath electricity wires at their lowest point.
- Where electrical installations are at risk due to flooding, electricity supply should be turned off immediately at the isolator switch fuse box if it is safe to do so. Fuseboxes are usually near the meter position which may be inside a property or in an outside meter cabinet. If this is not possible, unplug electrical appliances where it is safe to do so. If in doubt, contact a registered electrical contractor.
Damaged electrical equipment or fallen electricity wires on roads or in fields should be reported immediately to the ESB Networks Emergency Number - 1850 372 999.
Arthur Byrne, Safety Manager at ESB Networks, says: “As well as the hardships that many people are enduring with flooded homes, farmland and roads, there are important personal safety matters that need your attention. When the floods recede, it is important to remain vigilant because previously unseen dangers may now be more immediate. Before your electrical installation is reconnected, have it checked out by a registered electrical contractor.”
For updates and more information on the safe use of electricity, please follow us on Twitter (@ESBNetworks), access our website www.esbnetworks.ie and listen to our regular safety messages on national and local media and online.
Listen to Audioboo of Bernardine Maloney, Corporate Communications Manager at ESB.