The Philippines is devastated by a number of horrendous typhoons every year. In fact, we name storms from A to Z throughout the course of only a year. Floods are inevitable and are one of the enemies of our electrical appliances and our safety.  Here are some electrical tips to keep us safe before and during a flood:

• Ensure all your breakers or fuse boxes are properly marked and labeled according to the corresponding area/circuits of your home to avoid turning on/off the wrong area/circuit.
• Make sure all members of the household know the location of the main breaker or fuse box and their corresponding area/circuits labels or markings in case someone is alone when flood happens.
• Prepare your emergency kit (flashlight, whistle, first aid kit, and emergency food & water) and put it inside a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag. Make sure it’s easily accessible and all members of the household know where it is located.
• Do not touch the circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface to avoid electrocution.
• Unplug and move all electrical appliances to a safe elevated area before the flood enters your home to avoid short circuits.
• When the flood enters your home, switch off the main circuit breaker or fuse box and put a big sign “DO NOT SWITCH ON.” Inform all household members to avoid accidents.

Electrical dangers do not end after a flood. Always remember the following:

• Do NOT switch the main breaker back on. Consult a certified electrician first to know when it is safe to do so. Share this to ALL household members.
• Call a certified electrician or engineer to check the condition of the electrical wiring of your home. Electrical wirings or devices may require replacement depending on the condition or the extent of the damage.
• Do NOT use appliances that are affected by floodwater. Call a certified appliance technician first to check all affected appliances. Always wear a Personal Protective Equipment (rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, etc.) during clean up especially when working near electrical supplies.

Harm happens less to those who practice safety, a friendly reminder from Phelps Dodge, the leading electric wire and cable manufacturer in the Philippines.