The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has assured its customers that its personnel are ready to respond to electricity service concerns that may arise due to Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi)
Meralco is closely monitoring the weather situation given the possible landfall of the typhoon according to PAGASA.
“As a 24–hour service company,our crews are always ready to attend to any possible electricity service concern due to weather disturbances,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Meralco has put in place necessary measures to help mitigate the impact of the storm such as issuance of advisories on appropriate precautionary measures. The company has also consistently requested billboard owners and operators to temporarily roll their billboards up to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds.
Zaldarriaga also advised customers to continue practicing the following electrical safety measures which are very important especially when there is flooding:
- Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry when being in contact with any electrical facility.
- 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 main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
- Make sure that all electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.
- When all electrical wires and accessories have dried and are clean, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.
Zaldarriaga encouraged the public to keep all communication channels open and ready, and to charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication devices. Customers should tune in to public service radio stations in case of power interruptions.
To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111.
