In anticipation of super Typhoon Rolly that is expected to pass near Metro Manila, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that they are 100-percent geared up in their efforts to prepare its systems and personnel to immediately respond to power outages that may occur during the onslaught of the typhoon.
Meralco Spokesperson and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said they remain committed to respond to emergencies such as typhoons. “As a 24–hour service company, our crews are always on standby to attend to any trouble that may affect our facilities in areas that might be hit by the typhoon.”
Zaldarriaga added that Meralco has necessary measures in place that will help mitigate the possible impact of Typhoon Rolly. The company, for example, has continued to issue advisories on the appropriate precautionary measures to take before a typhoon.
“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, adding that billboards that fall into electrical facilities are among the main reasons for power outages during typhoons .
Meralco also provided safety tips on the proper use of electrical devices and appliances during a flooding.
• Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry at all times while 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, and;
• 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 also reminded the public to keep open and ready all channels of communication by seeing to it that their mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication gadgets are fully charged. Customers may tune in to different public service radio stations should power interruptions occur.
He added that the Meralco Call Center will be ready to accept customer concerns. Customers may get in touch via Meralco Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 (Smart), 0917-5516211 (Globe), and 0925-7716211 (Sun) or contact Meralco Call Center at 16211 and 8631-1111.