The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has warned against the practice of conducting commercial activities under power lines and cables, to avert possible fires, loss of properties and life that could be caused by heavy rainfall, windstorms and floods.
It advised customers not to engage quack electricians to wire their houses or carry out repairs as errors and deviation from sound technical practice and poor workmanship may lead to bad situations.
The Chief Operating Officer, IBEDC, John Ayodele, was quoted as saying in a statement that rainy seasons often witness the highest levels of incidents in the electricity distribution sector, and urged members of the public to be on their guard to avoid falling victims of an accident that could easily occur during the rains.
He said: “There is a need to create awareness on safety measures during the rainy season because of the hazards that electricity and water can cause. Avoid conditions that can compromise your safety around electricity, such as using wet electrical appliances or handling them with wet hands; stepping in puddles of water that could potentially be charged. You should also guard against exposed electrical wires, and ensure your houses are well earthed.
“IBEDC is concerned about the safety of its customers and staff, hence, the need for more sensitization and education now. The people should guide against conducting commercial activities under power lines and cables, as the cables could easily snap due to strong winds. The public should be cautious around electrical installations within its network as the rainy season gathers momentum.”
Ayodele furthermore called on customers within IBEDC’s network to stay clear of snapped power wires and cables, sagging lines and fallen poles, and advised customers to call its official lines if any such incident occurred, or report through the DisCo’s social media handles immediately, while maintaining a safe distance from the point of the accident.
