DAGUPAN CITY — The Dagupan Electric Corporation (Decorp) has advised residents in flooded areas to turn off their house’s circuit breaker to avoid accidents such as electrocution.
“We advised the customers that when they see that floodwaters will reach their outlets, they should immediately turn off their circuit breakers, they don’t have to wait for us to switch off the electricity because they are the ones who can readily assess it if there is a need to do so,” said lawyer Randy Caspillan, spokesperson of Decorp in an interview on Tuesday.
Despite the high floodwater in some areas, he said Decorp could not just turn off electric supply since it would affect even those whose houses are not situated in flooded places.
Decorp also posted the following safety tips on its official Facebook page:
* Move as much electrical equipment as possible to floors or areas above the anticipated flood level;
* Never step or stand on water that covers electrical outlets or devices – the water could already be charged with a lethal amount of electric current;
* If outlets or appliances are drenched, have a licensed electrician check these before using;
* Do not attempt to operate electrical equipment or appliances that have come into contact with water until a certified electrician says it is safe.
* If you see downed power lines, avoid them, and notify Decorp immediately;
* If the flood level is approaching the location of your meter, turn off your main circuit breaker and report it immediately to us.
A Facebook user posted a video of a woman found unconscious and was allegedly electrocuted in floodwaters along Burgos Street here on July 20. The Dagupan Police Station, however, said it has not received any report pertaining to the incident.
Caspillan said based on their initial findings, the floodwaters did not cause the alleged electrocution since the people who helped the woman were not electrocuted.
“In fact, there was no live wire drenching in the water in the area based on the said video,” he said.
Caspillan reiterated his advice to the public to be cautious in order to avoid accidents during calamities. (PNA)
