The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reassured its customers that its personnel are on standby and ready to address any electricity-related issues resulting from Typhoon Nika (international name: Toraji), which is currently affecting parts of the Philippines.
Meralco officials are closely monitoring the storm’s progress, with several areas within its franchise zone placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. In a statement, Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications, confirmed that the utility’s crews are on alert 24/7 to ensure a rapid response in case of service disruptions.
“Meralco’s crews and personnel are on standby, ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern as we continue to monitor the movements of the typhoon,” said Zaldarriaga.
As part of its public safety campaign, Meralco has also issued several electrical safety guidelines for residents, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Customers are urged to follow the safety measures below:
- Switch off the main power switch or circuit breaker to prevent electrical hazards.
- Unplug appliances from wall sockets and turn off permanently connected equipment.
- Remove mud and dirt from electrical service equipment and the main circuit breaker or fuse using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
- Ensure that all electrical wires, connectors, and devices are thoroughly dried and checked for damage before being used.
- Consult a licensed electrician to inspect any flood-damaged electrical appliances before they are reconnected.
Zaldarriaga emphasized the importance of staying informed during storm events, advising customers to charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication devices in preparation for potential power interruptions. He also urged the public to stay tuned to public service radio stations for updates on outages and recovery efforts.
