Queensland primary school kids will get lifesaving lessons with the start of the 2021 Safety Heroes program thanks to publicly-owned electricity providers Energex and Ergon Energy.
Launching the free state-wide program at Springwood Central State School, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said it was never too early to show children how to stay safe around electricity.
Teaching kids meant families also got the message, Mr de Brenni said.
"It's great to see so many Queensland primary schools have signed up for these lifesaving lessons from Energex and Ergon Energy," Mr de Brenni said.
"We are surrounded by electricity at home and in the community, so it's important that people of all ages understand the potential hazards and this school-based program is an amazing introduction for children, who talk about what they've learnt with their families and friends.
"The Safety Heroes program reinforces safety messages which teach Queenslanders what to do if they experience shocks or tingles at home, encounter fallen powerlines in their neighbourhood after a storm, or they're involved in a vehicle accident that brings down live wires."
This year, 1421 schools have signed up for the program that is delivered at no cost to them.
Mr de Brenni said the program from our publicly-owned energy companies gave industry veterans the chance to share their expertise with the next generation of Safety Heroes.
"There's nothing like learning from someone who works around electricity every day and when a bucket truck rolls up at school it certainly commands students' attention," Mr de Brenni said.
"During Electricity Safety Week (6-10 September) there'll be volunteers from Energex and Ergon visiting schools across the state and remote students will have the opportunity to join a webinar," he said.
Energex's Anthony Sullivan has hosted countless safety presentations over the years using a miniature electricity network.
"We make it entertaining and interactive, so the electrical safety messages stay with them for years to come and hopefully these lessons will help to save lives," Mr Sullivan said.
