KUCHING, Dec 30: Members of the public are reminded to be extra cautious after a storm due to the risk of damaged electrical facilities, such as fallen poles and power lines that might still be energised or live.
Sarawak Energy vice president for Distribution Yusuf Safri said the public should never try to touch or move fallen electrical poles, power lines and related equipment as they may be energised.
“Instead, alert Sarawak Energy immediately for assistance to rectify the situation. Also, never try to drive over fallen power lines, and keep at least 10m away from the site,” he advised in a media statement today.
The technical team can be alerted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialling 1300 88 3111 or through the SEB Cares mobile app to report the incident.
Sarawak Energy is closely monitoring the weather situation and will take the necessary measures to keep the public safe from electrical hazards, it said.
This includes switching off supply to substations and other facilities without prior notice during a flood or if rising waters cause a dangerous situation. Power supply will only be restored when it is safe to do so.
Following the recent advisory from the Malaysian Meteorological Department on the possible occurrence of continuous heavy rainfall in the western parts of Sarawak, Yusri pointed out that Sarawak Energy has placed critical staff on standby to restore supply safely and quickly in the event of a supply disruption and provide the necessary technical support and advice.
However, he said bad weather conditions are also proving to be a challenge in efforts to restore supply safely and quickly during interruptions especially in rural areas.
“In some areas, repair and supply restoration works can only commence the day after an outage as muddy and slippery roads affect access to worksites.
“We ask for the patience of the public and above all, to always take the necessary precautions and follow our electrical safety guidelines if you do come across damaged electrical facilities or if you are caught in a flood.
“Electricity and water don’t mix, so please prioritise safety first, “ he alerted.
Members of the public are urged to practise the following safety precautions during a storm or rising waters.
In a situation where power lines fall on your vehicle, please be aware of the following:
• Remain inside the vehicle until help arrives and alert others so as to keep clear and not to touch the vehicle.
• If you must leave the vehicle due to other dangers such as fire, jump away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and try to land with both feet on the ground at the same time. Continue to keep your feet together at all times on the ground and shuffle at least 10m away from the site.
• Do not walk or run – it is dangerous to do so. A downed line creates a voltage gradient on the ground surface so walking or running causes your legs to act as a bridge between two areas of different voltages, forming a circuit for electricity to travel. If you continue to keep your feet together, then a circuit can’t be formed for electricity from the ground to travel.
In a flood situation, please adhere to the following:
Before A Flood
• Turn off the home supply at the main switchboard at the earliest sign of rising waters. • Move electrical equipment to an elevated position or area above the anticipated flood level at the earliest sign of rising waters.
During A Flood
• Avoid using electrical appliances.
• Do not go near submerged electrical installations (i.e. poles, substations, transformers etc).
• If in a boat in a flooded area, be cautious of power lines. Swollen rivers may elevate the water level closer to high tension lines.
After A Flood
• Beware of fallen electrical poles.
• Stay away from fallen electrical lines as they may still be live.
• Do not attempt to operate electrical appliances if these have been submerged in flood waters as this may cause electrocution or fire.
• Engage a qualified electrician to inspect home/building wirings before turning on the main supply. — DayakDaily
