When it comes to floods, public safety is of utmost importance, especially when there are risks of unexpected electric shocks
TENAGA Nasional Berhad (TNB) assures the public that it always prioritises their safety, especially during a flood. When floodwater levels rise, the people affected are evacuated to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) for their safety. As a precautionary measure to avoid electrical mishaps, TNB shuts down affected electricity substations in flood-affected areas while providing portable power generator sets at the PPS to ensure the comfort of the residents who are housed there.
1. What electrical safety measures should be taken before and during a flood?
For those staying or working in areas that are likely to be affected by floods, they are encouraged to make early preparations in case they need to move to a safer place. These include taking the following electrical safety measures:
– Move electrical appliances, furniture and other equipment to a safe place.
– Avoid using electrical appliances and ensure the main switch is turned off to avoid electric shock.
– Turn off all electrical main switches, water and gas supply main valves before leaving the house, and unplug electrical appliances.
– Stay away from electrical equipment or cables submerged in floodwater, even if they are insulated to minimise risks of electrocution.
– Turn off the solar photovoltaic system to prevent backflow to the premise’s wiring system.
– Contact 15454 or via TNB’s Facebook page, “TNB CareLine”, or its X platform “@Tenaga_Nasional”, to disconnect the electricity supply if the water level rises.
During the relocation process, the public is advised to:
– Avoid touching metal poles or any TNB installations to avoid the risk of electrical incidents.
– Avoid swimming or wading through floodwaters in areas near electrical lines and installations.
– Avoid touching people who have been electrocuted or moving affected electrical lines.
– Immediately contact TNB via 15454 or via its Facebook page “TNB CareLine” or its X platform “@Tenaga_Nasional”, if they observe any TNB installation is in an unsafe condition.
2. What electrical safety measures should be taken after the flood recedes?
Once the floodwaters recede, and after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has confirmed that the weather conditions have stabilised, the power supply may not be restored immediately as TNB is taking all the necessary safety precautions before switching the power back on to the affected communities.
Status updates of the power restoration can be tracked via “TNB CareLine” (Facebook) and “@Tenaga_Nasional” (X) or simply contact 15454.
With the La Nina phenomenon still active, some areas may experience delayed receding waters or a second wave of flooding. So, be careful before re-entering your home. After returning home, these electrical safety measures may reduce the risks of unfortunate incidents.
– Before cleaning any electrical appliances or plug points submerged in flood water, check if the main circuit board of the house/building has been turned off.
– Get a qualifed electrician or wiring contractor registered with the Energy Commission to check the wiring and electrical appliances submerged in the floodwaters.
– Assign family members, including children, to help clean the house and discourage them from playing in floodwaters, minimising the risk of potential exposure to contaminated water and submerged power lines.
– Do not use metal poles or ladders near power lines.
– Parents should supervise their children in case they approach damaged power poles and cables.
3. How to ensure that electrical switches and appliances submerged in floodwaters are safe to be used again?
Before switching on the main electrical board at home, homeowners are advised to seek the services of a qualified electrician or a certified wiring contractor registered with the Energy Commission to inspect the wiring and electrical appliances that were submerged in floodwaters.
Among the recommended steps to be carried out on electrical switches and electrical appliances submerged in floodwaters before they are used are:
– For electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, clean any mud or dirt, and dry the equipment before using it. The controls on electrical appliances may be rusty and no longer work.
– Appliances such as radios, computers and televisions, as well as internal components of electronic equipment, are likely to be damaged, rusted or corroded by floodwaters, which usually contains acids, for instance.
– For outlet sockets, you should wash the dirt off and dry them before having them inspected by qualified electricians.
4. Sometimes, electricity supply takes time to be restored even though the floodwaters have receded. Here’s why:
After the floods have receded, TNB ensures that each electrical installation is cleaned, tested and certified safe before being reactivated. With the ongoing La Nina, certain TNB installation may have structural damage, subsidence, fallen trees, swaying poles and damaged cables due to strong floodwater currents.
All of these require more thorough inspections and additional time. However, TNB assures that electricity supply is distributed as soon as possible after the electrical installation has been confirmed safe to be activated.
For meters that are damaged or have been entered by floodwater, the public should contact TNB directly to have them replaced with new ones.
5. TNB has an online app, “myTNB”, where customers can make transactions and manage their accounts and electricity bills anytime and anywhere without having to meet counter personnel or visit Kedai Tenaga.
In certain situations, TNB meter readers may be temporarily unable to take meter readings in areas affected by floods. Customers are encouraged to use the myTNB app to check their bill status and pay their bills accordingly. Requests to repair damaged meters after the flood has receded can be submitted through the myTNB app or portal.
If you have not yet registered as myTNB user, download the myTNB app for free via Google Play Store, Apple App Store or Huawei App Gallery.
In the end, everyone is encouraged to think ‘Safety First’ during the flood season. Take all the necessary precautions and monitor the weather alerts from METMalaysia.
If your area is affected by floods, please follow the instructions from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
