By CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has tasked South East residents to always prioritise safety in the use of electricity, as the rainy season fully sets in.
Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh stated this yesterday in Enugu in an advisory statement issued to newsmen.
Ezeh noted that the season often comes with increased risk of electrical hazards such as electrocution, electrical fire and damage to appliances.
According to him, the advisory is necessary considering the nature of the electricity network obtainable in our environment where electrical wires/conductors are installed overhead, thus, exposing electrical wires/conductors to heavy rain, flooding, lightning, and high winds which can cause electrical faults and damage,” he said.
Ezeh said lightning could strike power lines or buildings, posing risk of electrical shock or electrocution and could also cause power surges on electrical appliances and equipment.
“In addition, strong winds knock down power lines, creating electrical hazards, while downed power lines and water-logged installations, equally pose serious danger to lives and property.
“With these conditions in mind, it is imperative that as a responsible corporate organisation, we educate our customers on the need to stay safe during the rainy season.
“These precautions are essential to prevent electrical shock and fatalities.
“During this season, we usually experience cases of fallen poles caused by heavy storm and dangling wires, and we advise our customers to avoid contact with them and immediately report such through the emergency line (08150824301),” he added.
He advised customers not to touch electrical equipment with wet hands, “as water itself is a conductor of electricity”.
Ezeh emphasised the need to always engage the services of professionals and licensed electricians for repair or wiring and ensure proper earthling (place of earth wire) in their homes to prevent electrical shock.
