Meralco prepares for Storm Quinta
MANILA – The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it is well-prepared for the coming tropical story “Quinta.” In a statement released early Sunday evening, Meralco Spokesperson and Corporate Communications head Joe Zaldarriaga said they are committed 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 might be hit. By the tropical storm,” he said.
He added Meralco has begun implementing measures to mitigate the possible impact of Tropical Storm “Quinta.” It has continuously released advisories on needed precautionary measures to take before a typhoon hits a specific area.
“We have requested billboard owners and operators to roll their billboards up to prevent these structures from being toppled by the strong winds,” Zaldarriaga added. Billboards that fall into electrical facilities are among the main reasons for power outages whenever there are strong winds.
He reiterated their advisories on using electrical devices and appliances should there be flooding. Consumers must ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off and dry at all times while being in contact with any electrical facility.
Consumers need to unplug appliances from wall sockets and turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs whenever possible. Mud and dirt must be removed from service equipment or main circuit breaker or fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
Zaldarriaga said everyone should make sure all electrical wires, connectors and other wiring devices are completely dry and whenever all electrical wires and accessories have dried up and cleaned, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by competent and licensed electrician.
“Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances,” Zaldarriaga added.
He called on everyone to keep all channels of communication open and ready as he reminded everyone to charge their mobile phones, laptops, radios and other communication gadgets. Aside from monitoring radio and television stations, Zaldarriaga said their Meralco Call Center will receive concerns from electric power subscribers. They can utilize Meralco Facebook page and Twitter account @meralcoi or send SMS to 0920-9716211 (Smart) and 0917-5516211 (Globe) and 0925-7716211 (Sun) or call Meralco Call Center at 16211 and 86311111. (Melo M. Acuña)
Dark clouds appear on the horizon Sunday afternoon as Tropical Storm "Quinta" nears Manila. (Melo M. Acuna photo)
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