Chennai: The onset of the Northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu brings crucial relief but also significant electrical risks. From fallen power lines to indoor accidents, being aware of these dangers is the first step to staying safe. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to protect yourself and your family from electrical accidents during this rainy season.
Outdoor Safety: Avoiding Public Electrical Hazards
When you are outside, always be aware of your surroundings, especially during and after heavy rain and thunderstorms.
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Stay Away from Fallen Wires: Never go near a power line that has fallen due to rain or wind. Assume all downed lines are live and extremely dangerous. Maintain a safe distance of at least 40 feet (about 12 meters) and immediately report it to the electricity board.
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Keep Clear of Electrical Infrastructure: Do not go near transformers, electric poles, electrical distribution boxes, or their supporting stay wires. These can become electrified, especially when wet.
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No Tying or Hanging: Never tie billboards, banners, or livestock to power lines or stay wires. This can damage the insulation and cause a short circuit.
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Parking Precautions: Tipper trucks, lorries, and other heavy vehicles should not be parked near high-voltage or low-voltage power lines. Maintain a safe clearance to prevent accidental contact.
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Keep Cables Separate: Ensure that Cable TV wires or any other private cables are not installed too close to overhead power lines to avoid contact during strong winds.
During Thunder and Lightning: Finding Safe Shelter
Lightning is a major threat during monsoon storms. Knowing where to take shelter can save your life.
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Seek Solid Shelter: The safest place during thunder and lightning is inside a concrete building. Avoid taking shelter in clearings, under isolated trees, or near power lines.
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Avoid Open Areas and Water: Do not go to areas where water has stagnated, as water is a conductor of electricity.
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Stay Indoors and Away from Openings: Once inside, stay away from open windows and doors to avoid side flashes from lightning.
Indoor Safety: Preventing Accidents at Home
Electrical safety inside your home is equally critical during the monsoon.
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Disconnect Antenna Cables: Lightning can travel through cables. Be sure to disconnect the cable coming to your TV during a thunderstorm to prevent a power surge from entering your home.
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Limit Appliance Use: Avoid using non-essential electrical appliances like TVs, mixers, grinders, computers, and telephones during heavy rain and lightning. If you must use them, ensure they are plugged into a surge protector.
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Be Ready for a Fire Emergency: In the event of an electrical fire, the first step is to shut off the main power supply to the building if it is safe to do so. Immediately remove any flammable materials like paper, plastic, or oil from the vicinity of the fire. Use a Class C fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires; never use water.
Important Actions to Take in an Emergency
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Report, Don’t Repair: If you notice a blown fuse on a transformer, damaged equipment, or a power outage, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Only authorized electricity board employees should handle these repairs. Immediately contact the relevant electrical engineers or the emergency helpline to report the issue.
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Public Awareness: Inform others, especially children, about these dangers. Collective awareness is key to preventing accidents.
By following these essential instructions, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents and ensure the safety of your community throughout the monsoon season.