As the process of rebuilding begins following the devastating Tasmanian bushfires, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has issued a safety warning to residents returning to damaged properties to get their electrical systems checked and repaired by licensed electricians.

Some services that may be required are disconnection of fire affected buildings including sheds and garages, replacement of burnt wiring and fittings and inspection of electrical installations before reconnection.

Some properties electrical systems may have suffered water damage as well as fire damage.

NECA’s Tasmanian Chapter President Andrew Farr said, “The bushfires that have ravaged our stateare a terrible tragedy and the cost to property has been heavy.

“To avoid further damage it’s vitally important that the electrical systems of properties are checked by a licensed electrician and whatever repairs necessary are carried out before power is restored. At NECA Tasmania we have a number of our members on standby ready to help out and we urge property owners to place safety first.”

Mr Farr has been liaising with Aurora and other organisations involved with restoring power to the bushfire affected parts of Tasmania offering the assistance of NECA members.

Aurora have stated that they may want all houses inspected before power is reconnected because people have been connecting generators to installations.