VECO shares safety tips for rainy season

CEBU, Philippines - The string of  fires to hit Metro Cebu the past weeks and the onset of the rainy season causing flooding brought by heavy rains has prompted the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) to remind the public to exercise prudence by practicing safety measures to prevent incidents of fire during downpours and flooding.

VECO safety engineers said this is the best time to prepare and institute safety measures within the home to prevent accidents especially during this rainy season. VECO advised its customers and the public to keep electrical wires, plugs and cords away from water as most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water. VECO said it is best to check for leaks and water seepage on roofs, ceilings and walls to make sure that electrical facilities inside the house do not get wet with rainwater.

Make sure that all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy as pets and pests such as rats chew on electrical cords. VECO also reminds the public not to plug a bunch of electrical cords into one outlet or extension cord to avoid an overload.

As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration  ( Pagasa )  formally declared the start of the rainy season and forewarned of heavy rains and possible flooding in many areas of the country, VECO also has safety tips for its customers and the public.

During lightning and thunderstorms, VECO said it is best to unplug electrical appliances and not to use cellphones. In the event of flooding and water makes its way inside the house, electrical appliances should be moved immediately to a higher place.

VECO’s Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Department ( OSHED) in coordination with barangay units within its franchise area will launch a series lectures on safety for  public awareness. (FREEMAN)