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Safety electrical tips for flood-stricken areas

electrical

There are still areas that are still flooded up to this time due to typhoon that hit the country recently. Power supply has yet to be restored in some or all affected areas because of that.

Take note of the following precautionary measures issued by Meralco (Manila Electric Company) with regard electrical facilities after a household has been submerged in flood:

  • Request a certified electrician to check if your appliances are safe to plug in and turn on after a flood.
  • Make sure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is turned off. When you need to touch a switch and the floor is still wet, stand on dry board or carton or wear rubber sole boots. Use a dry stick or rubber gloves, or well-insulated pliers or tools to pull handles;
  • Unplug all equipment and appliances. Turn off the switch of permanently connected equipment. Unscrew all light bulbs if possible;
  • Remove mud and dirt from the service equipment or main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure with rubber gloves and rubber sole shoes;
  • Allow electrical wires, connectors and other wiring devices to dry completely. Drying may take days, depending on how wet the system is and on external temperature;
  • When all electrical wires and accessories are dry and clean, the wiring system must be checked, and;
  • The appliance itself must be completely dry, serviced or checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances.

Meralco hotline: 16211

Image courtesy of phasinphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net