KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has advised the public to prioritise safety and the prudent use of electrical equipment during the Northeast Monsoon season starting today until March next year.
Its Group Corporate Communications acting head, Wan Seri Rahayu Wan Mohamad Said, in a statement today that the public should turn off the main switch in their premises if flood waters begin to rise and when instructed to move to a relief centre.
“With heavy continuous rain expected in several states, there is a high possibility of floods occurring in low-lying areas. For residents in flood-prone areas, it is important to adhere to instructions given by the authorities if asked to evacuate.
“Residents are also encouraged to contact the TNB CareLine line at 15454 or through the Facebook TNB Careline if there is a disconnection or collapsed installation for immediate action. For public safety, there will be monitoring of the condition of each installation from time to time,” she said.
She said TNB will also disconnect electricity supply to the affected areas temporarily for the safety of the public and it will only be restored once flood waters recede and the situation is safe.
In the same statement, Wan Seri Rahayu also listed several measures that can be taken during floods, as well as during pre- and post-flood situations.
Measures during pre-flooding include moving electrical equipment to higher levels and during floods, the main switch should be turned off to avoid electric shock and that people should also not enter flooded areas.
“Additionally, avoid touching electrical equipment or cables submerged in flood waters even if they are coated with insulation; avoid approaching or touching iron poles or TNB installations that are submerged in water to avoid the risk of electric shock; and make sure all socket switches are switched off,” she said.
She also asked the public to charge handphone power banks in advance so that they can use their mobile phones to facilitate communication and to turn off the system if premises are installed with a solar PV (photovoltaic) system before leaving their houses.
As for electrical safety guidance after a flood, she said the public should turn off the main electrical switch before cleaning electrical equipment and have an electrical contractor registered with the Energy Commission (ST) to check the submerged electrical equipment in addition to monitoring the movements of children so that they do not approach damaged electrical lines.
Wan Seri Rahayu said TNB had made preparations to face the possibility of flooding to ensure the orderly and effective management of electricity supply.
— BERNAMA