Department of Disease Control warns public to be cautious of electrocution risks during floods
During the rainy season, when flooding often occurs in many areas, the Department of Disease Control has issued a warning for the public to be extra cautious about electrical hazards, as water is a good conductor of electricity, which can lead to life-threatening electrocution or electric shocks.
If you encounter someone who has been electrocuted, the first thing to do is to cut off the power supply immediately by flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the appliance. If you cannot cut off the power, absolutely do not touch the victim directly. Use non-conductive materials such as dry wood, dry cloth, or a completely dry rope to push the wire away or push the victim away from the area with the electrical current.
After the victim is removed from the scene, quickly check their breathing and heartbeat. If the victim is not breathing or their heart has stopped, perform first aid by administering CPR immediately, and call the emergency medical services at 1669 as soon as possible to request assistance.
In addition, the public should regularly check electrical appliances in their homes to ensure they are in a safe condition; they should not be submerged in water or placed in areas prone to flooding. If you must wade through water, avoid getting near utility poles, billboards, or areas with leaking electrical wires to prevent unexpected accidents during this flood period.