Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has today issued an urgent electrical safety warning to flood affected residents in Townsville and surrounding areas.

As many as 20,000 homes are forecast to be impacted by rising flood waters across the city and household appliances that have been submerged in water pose a serious safety threat to residents.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said that it’s important that homeowners understand that the safety risks extend well beyond the initial flooding.

“MEA urges residents in Townsville and surrounding areas impacted by flooding to not add further tragedy to the damage already caused and to contact a Master Electrician before turning on any electrical appliances,” Mr Richards said.

“Thousands of homeowners across the region have already experienced enough trauma and we don’t want to see lives lost because of people plugging in water-damaged appliances that pose a very serious electrical safety threat.

“Likewise, if you’re a flood-affected homeowner and your switchboards or internal electrical fittings have been inundated, ensure that they are properly tested by a licensed professional before they are used again.

“It is undoubtedly a stressful time for people impacted by flooding, but taking short-cuts with electrical safety is not the answer and only risks making a traumatic experience even worse.”

For further information, including how to find your local Master Electrician, visit the MEA website via www.masterelectricians.com.au.

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