Meralco issues summer safety advisory

Now that summer has begun, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has urged the public to be extra-conscious about their safety.

Since construction activities usually peak during the summer months, Meralco is reminding construction personnel, especially workers to observe safety at work at all times.

"In order to minimize accidents, construction personnel must simply adhere to basic safety precautions. They should keep a very safe distance from our line facilities while working," Meralco safety head Engr. Fred Ramos said.

Meralco is likewise coordinating with local building officials to further boost its construction safety information drive.

Ramos is also asking the public to immediately inform Meralco of tree branches that are near or are actually touching power lines.

Aside from possibly triggering power outages, these branches may also cause fire.

"Meralco advises the public not to trim the trees themselves as this may be dangerous. They just have to notify us, and we will send trained tree trimmers to do the job for them," Ramos said.

Meralco would also like to remind parents to inform their children that kite flying must be accompanied with utmost safety precaution.

Meralco vice president for corporate communication Elpi Cuna Jr. advised the public to also be conscious of electrical safety at home.

"Being fire prevention month, it is only but logical to also observe electrical safety at our homes," Cuna said.