Avoid electrocution, power interruption; VECO: Fly kites away from electrical lines

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO) is again advising the public to be mindful of power lines when flying kites this "summer."

In a report, Mark Anthony Kindica, Veco's assistant vice president for engineering operations, said they are not prohibiting anyone from kite flying, but are reminding of the potential hazards while doing it near power lines.

If a kite is caught in overhead wires, he said, electrocution and power interruptions may occur.

Veco records showed that in 2016, at least 140 power interruptions in various areas within its franchise area happened because of kites that got caught in power lines.

That is why, he said, kite flying should only be done in open areas and away from overhead power lines, substations, and other electrical installations.

Kindica also said that if a kite gets caught in an overhead power line, the owner should immediately call VECO’s 230-8326 hotline or post a message on VECO’s Facebook page so they can immediately send a crew to the area.

VECO advised that those who fly kites should use cotton, linen or nylon strings and not metal or wire reinforced strings because these can cause electrocution when they come in contact with power lines.

Kite owners are also advised to avoid flying kites then there is drizzle, because when the nylon strings gets wet it becomes a conductor of electricity and may cause electrocution if it gets caught in power lines.

In Cebu City, Ordinance 1471 prohibits flying kites near power lines, telecommunication lines, and similar facilities. The ordinance provides that kite flying should only be done in areas that are 3,000 square meters in diameter.

VECO, though, noted that the remaining open spaces in the city are mostly in the mountain barangays and at the South Road Properties. —Hannah Tesorio (FREEMAN)