Busselton kids 'Shock Proofed' for electrical safety
Release Date: 17 March 2009
In late March schools in Busselton will receive a free ongoing education program run by Western Power.
Titled, “Shock Proof!”, the program actively educates children about electricity safety and the dangers of electricity. Primary schools are visited by a Western Power presenter and resources are given to schools that are suitable for each year level.
Western Power’s Managing Director Mr Doug Aberle said the business offers the program because it is essential children have a good awareness of the real dangers of electricity.
“Every year in Western Australia hundreds of families are affected by the trauma from injuries associated with electrical shock. Most of these injuries are due to a lack of understanding of electrical safety,” he said.
The aim of the “Shock Proof!” program is to prevent injury and death from accidents and vandalism by teaching important electricity safety messages in a fun and interactive environment.
The program has educated more than 40,000 children in more than 200 schools throughout the State in the past year and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading electrical safety education programs for children.
Western Power’s key messages for children are:
- Electricity and water do not mix;
- Call 000 in a life-threatening emergency;
- Stay on the ground. Do not climb trees near powerlines;
- Stay away from electricity substations;
- Play safe around power poles and the wires that carry electricity;
- Do not poke anything into electrical power points and appliances;
- Do not interfere with domes, pillars and kiosks that carry electricity; and
- Know what to do if you come across a downed powerline.
Western Power presenters spend up to 45 minutes with each class, ‘Shock Proofing’ students by using role plays, posters, and real-life props to encourage active learning.
For more information about the program, please contact the Western Power on 9326 6269.
(ENDS)
Shock Proof presenters will visit
Monday 23 March
11:00 to 14:30 Capel Primary School 6 classes
Tuesday 24 March
9.15 to 14.00 Cornerstone Christian College 10 classes
Wednesday 25 March
9:30 to 14:00 Busselton Primary School 10 classes
Thursday 26 March
0850 to 15:00 Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 15 classes
Friday 27 March
10:50 to 12.50 Dwellingup Primary School 4 classes
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
