As Tropical Depression Aghon strengthens with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 125 km per hour, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has assured its customers that its personnel are ready to respond to power outages and electricity service concerns that may result from Tropical Storm Aghon.
“As a 24–hour service company, we are ready to respond to these types of emergency. Our crews are on standby to attend to any trouble that may affect our facilities in areas that may be hit by the storm,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Zaldarriaga added that Meralco has put in place necessary measures to mitigate the possible impact of the weather disturbance, including issuance of advisories on appropriate precautionary measures.
“Meralco has consistently requested billboard owners and operators to temporarily roll their billboards up to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds,” Zaldarriaga said. Billboards that fall into electrical facilities are among the main reasons for power outages whenever there are strong winds.
Apart from these measures, Meralco also gave safety tips on using electrical devices and appliances in case of flooding.
- Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Avoid contact with electrical appliances or electrical outlets when hands are wet.
- Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
- Remove mud and dirt from service equipment or the main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
- Ensure that electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.
- When all electrical wires and accessories are dried and clean, ask a licensed electrician to check the wiring system. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.
Zaldarriaga also urged the public to keep all channels of communication open and ready, and charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication gadgets. Customers may tune in to the different public service radio stations should power interruptions occur.
To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and X formerly Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111.