Take precautions during rainy season
As precautionary measures in your house and as damage escalates, turn the main switch off if water begins entering the house.
Eskom warns the public to be cautious of overhead power cables that are damaged, collapsed or low-hanging as a result of vandalism, illegal connections and recent stormy weather conditions experienced throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
“Severe wind and rain storms can cause damage on electrical infrastructure, but our collaborative efforts with disaster management centres will ensure that damage is fixed as soon as possible and people are not in harm’s way,” said Miranda Moahlodi, senior manager for occupational health and safety at Eskom.
“However, there are aspects that each person can control and implement for their safety in their homes and businesses.”
Ms Moahlodi explained that water is a conductor of electricity and this is the reason why there is an increased risk of injury during the rainy season.
“If the exposed or damaged power cable touches water, the water conducts the electricity into the ground, puddle, tree or stream, and if a person touches the cable whilst wet or standing in the water – there is a chance of injury,” she said.
As precautionary measures in your house and as damage escalates, turn the main switch off if water begins entering the house.
Electrical appliances and equipment such as chargers, heaters, fans and extension cords should be removed off the floor and placed on a high surface to avoid water damage.
If you suspect that any of your electrical appliances were submerged in water or have had contact with water, do not use them until you have had a professional declared them safe to use.
Do not remove trees or branches that may have fallen over, especially when it is raining, and report such to the local municipality. If a power cable has made contact with the fallen tree/branch, it may cause an electric shock when touched.
If your area has known illegal connections it is best to report this to Eskom on 080-0112722 to have them removed as these are not safe during severe storms and will pose major safety risks.
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