Unplug electronic
devices when it is lightning and keep away from trees and uneven cables in the
streets are some of the company's tips
During heavy rains,
lightning, flooding, and falling trees may affect the energy networks. For this
reason, Neoenergia recommends to its over 15.6 million consumers to adopt
preventive measures when it is raining, reducing these and other risks caused
by weather conditions. The guidelines include unplugging electronic devices in
case of lightning, always wearing sandals or sneakers, and staying away from
trees or uneven cables.
Consumers who are at
home should be alert to the effects of lightning. The atmospheric discharge may
cause disruptions to the energy network, in addition to jeopardizing household
installations, mainly if the property has inadequate grounding or if there is
no system in place. “We recommend the procedure of unplugging all electric
devices from the switches during a storm with lightning bolts. Care must
be taken when doing this, because it is essential that the person wears shoes
and is dry, always pulling the plug and never the wire," explains Harley
Albuquerque, Health and Safety manager at Neoenergia.
The presence of
humidity on walls with electrical circuits and sockets is another warning to
avoid the risk of shocks. In such cases, the sockets should not be touched or
used. Also, it is not recommended to carry out maintenance on roofs or TV
antennas if it is raining.
When flooding occurs,
the first thing residents should do is to turn off the circuit breaker and
unplug all electronic devices and appliances. However, if the circuit breaker
is in a flooded area, consumers should avoid touching it and should immediately
call the local energy distributor, through the service channels of the group's
companies – Neoenergia Coelba (BA), Neoenergia Pernambuco (PE), Neoenergia
Cosern (RN), Neoenergia Elektro (SP e MS) and Neoenergia Brasília (DF). When
the service is restored, a qualified professional shall assess the network
before reconnecting the circuit breaker.
If an accident
happens, it is necessary to turn off the power source that is causing the
electric shock. If necessary, and only after being assured that the power
source has been turned off, the victim can be removed from the accident scene.
The official rescue service must be called on an urgent basis.
Safety outdoors
Neoenergia's main
recommendation for those who are on the streets during heavy rains is to keep
away from the energy networks and never touch a fallen wire. “As the rains
can be accompanied by winds and falling trees, they can unlevel and bring down
electric cables, and the ideal way to avoid risks of electric shock is to call
the energy distributor if you find a problem like this," advises Albuquerque.
During rainfall, you
should avoid open places like swimming pools, soccer fields, beaches, and high
places, looking for sheltered environments. Never stand under trees and
metallic structures during thunderstorms with lightning.
Investments in
networks
To maintain the
service quality for customers during heavy rains, Neoenergia invests in
revamping and in the infrastructure of its energy networks in the four
distributors. One example is reclosers with self-healing technology, which
isolate stretches affected by problems such as falling tree branches, for
example. Thus, it is possible to restore service to as many customers as
possible within a few seconds. All the company's poles are equipped with
lightning rods, strategically installed to enhance the safety of the network.
Service channels
• Neoenergy Coelba: www.neoenergiacoelba.com.br | WhatsApp (71) 3370-6350
• Neoenergy Pernambuco: www.neoenergiapernambuco.com.br | WhatsApp (81) 3217-6990
• Neoenergy Cosern: www.neoenergiacosern.com.br | WhatsApp (84) 3215-6001
• Neoenergy Elektro: www.neoenergiaelektro.com.br | WhatsApp (19) 2122-1696
• Neoenergy Brasilia: www.neoenergiabrasilia.com.br | WhatsApp (61) 3465-9318
• Neoenergia Coelba, Neoenergia Pernambuco and Neoenergia Cosern Customer Relationship Center: 116.
• Neoenergia Elektro Customer Relationship Center: 0800 701 01 02