Students learn about electrical safety

Students in five primary schools from the Peninsula area learnt how to stay safe around electricity as part of Electricity Safety Week held from September 9 to 13.

Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein said the program was presented by the three State-owned electricity distributors, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy, to teach students about electricity.

"Electricity is an integral part of our daily lives but it is also invisible and has the potential to pose a number of dangerous hazards," Mr Holstein said.

"Early education is key to keeping children safe and preventing electrical accidents.

"From lessons on how electricity works to safety tips around the home, school and outdoors, the program educates children in a fun and interactive way on how to behave safely around electrical equipment.

"This includes teaching students about potential dangers posed by overloaded power points, fallen powerlines and electrical substations."

Students from Ettalong Public School, Woy Woy South Public School, Woy Woy Public School, Umina Public School and St John the Baptist School participated in Electricity Safety Week activities.

More than 95 per cent of NSW primary schools registered for this year's interactive classroom lessons.

Participating schools received an Electricity Safety Week pack which included student prizes, safety message posters, activity booklets and quizzes.

Energy Minister Mr Chris Hartcher said while the program was aimed at primary schoolers, electricity safety was a message for people of all ages.

"Last year there were more than 1000 electric shocks in homes and businesses across NSW," Mr Hartcher said.

"Awareness is vital to recognising and responding to hazards.

"Always assume fallen powerlines are live - don't approach them, warn others to do the same, and immediately report the incident to your electricity network."

Media release, 5 Sep 2013

Chris Holstein, Member for Gosford