Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has today urged residents affected by the severe flooding in Townsville and surrounding areas to not turn flood disaster into electrical tragedy.

Homeowners are being warned to only use a licensed electrician to perform testing and reconnection or they run the serious risk of injury or voiding their insurance policy.

MEA CEO Malcom Richards said the only way to guarantee that power is restored quickly and safely is to call the MEA hotline on 1300 889 198.

“MEA cannot stress the importance to flood-affected residents to only use a qualified electrician to perform testing and to reconnect power,” Mr Richards said.

“Understandably homeowners are anxious to get the power back on, but what we don’t want to see is a spate of electrical tragedies on the back of this flood disaster.

“Residents also need to be wary of hawks or scammers masquerading as qualified electricians, who are out to rip people off with dodgy work.

“MEA is working closely with Ergon to coordinate electrical contractors to test any flood affected homes prior to reconnection. Homeowners can access a licensed electrician by contacting MEA on our free hotline.

While MEA was not charging for the referral service, homeowners would be required to pay the electricians for performing the checks and any necessary repairs.

“People with appropriate insurance cover may be able to reclaim the cost of having an electrical contractor perform the checks and any necessary repairs.”

Mr Richards also invited licensed electrical contractors in the Townsville region to register with MEA if they were able to assist with the inspections.

“Master Electricians Australia is providing this hotline as a service to the Townsville community, and we’ll pass the enquiries on to the nearest available contractor.

“So I urge all licensed contractors in the area to call the hotline and let us know that they’re available to help.”