How to Safely Use Appliances During Heavy Rain and Flooding

Kapag tumataas na ang baha, hindi lang gamit mo ang kailangang iligtas—pati safety ng buong pamilya. Yung TV, ref, washing machine, at electric fan na everyday mong ginagamit ay maaaring maging serious electrical hazards kapag nabasa o nalubog sa baha. So, ano nga ba ang dapat gawin sa ating mga appliances tuwing may bago? Here’s your practical guide on how to safely use appliances during heavy rain and flooding. 

I-check ang mga appliances na nasa floor level or ground floor ng bahay at agad itong ilipat sa second floor or mataas na bahagi ng bahay. Halimbawa nito ay mga smaller appliances, gadgets at other electronics na madaling buhatin. For heavy appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, don’t risk injuring yourself just to move them. Humanap ng kasama para maglipat nito.  

A power interruption can happen during a typhoon, so prepare essentials such as flashlights, fully charged power banks, and extra batteries. Charge your important devices while electricity is still stable, but avoid overloading outlets by plugging in too many devices at once. 

Kapag pinasok na ng baha ang iyong bahay, huwag ng gamitin ang mga electrical appliances at iwasang hawakan ang mga outlets, switches, cords, or plugs na maaaring nabasa.

Huwag kailanman gumamit ng appliance kapag basa ang iyong mga kamay, at huwag na huwag lumusong sa baha para lang maabot ang appliance o electrical connection. 

Kung nagsimula nang pumasok ang baha at hindi mo na kayang i-unplug ang appliance without coming into contact with water, leave it alone. Kung kailangang patayin ang kuryente, huwag subukang abutin o galawin ang circuit breaker kung basa o nasa binahang area. Makipag-ugnayan sa tamang professional o authorities para humingi ng tulong. 

May nakita kang nag-spark? May naamoy kang amoy-kuryente? O di kaya may unusual na tunog mula sa appliance or outlet? Stop using it immediately and stay away. Huwag subukang ayusin ang mga electrical equipment kapag basa ang area o may bagyo. Mas safe na ipagawa ito sa isang professional. 

Humupa na ang ulan at baha? Hindi ibig sabihin na safe na agad gamitin ang appliances.

Even if the outside looks dry, water may have reached the internal electrical components. Plugging it in too soon can cause electric shock, fire, or further damage. Have flood-exposed appliances inspected by a qualified technician before using them again. 

Not every appliance affected by a typhoon needs to be thrown away immediately. Have it assessed first. In case an appliance is beyond repair and you need a replacement, financing options from Home Credit may help make essential purchases more manageable, with their flexible installment offers with 0% interest and 0 downpayment.  

Typhoons can damage homes, belongings, and appliances, but don’t put yourself at risk trying to save a gadget or appliance. Before the storm, prepare and unplug what you safely can. During the typhoon, stay away from wet electrical equipment. And after the flood, never assume that a wet appliance is safe just because it looks dry.

Your appliances can be replaced. Your safety comes first.