The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has assured its customers that it is ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern that may arise during the holiday break.
Meralco crews and personnel will remain on standby 24/7, even on Christmas Day, to keep the lights on for its eight million customers and help ensure a bright and accident-free celebration.
“We are reminding our customers to do their part in ensuring a bright and merry holiday season by practicing electrical safety. Rest assured, contingency measures are in place and our crews are on standby ready to respond to any concern on our electricity service,” Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Here are electrical safety tips for the holiday season:
- Unplug Christmas lights and other appliances when not in use: Remember to unplug them when not in use or before leaving the house.
- Inspect Christmas lights before reusing: If you are reusing Christmas lights, check for cracked, frayed, or damaged lights, as these are potential fire hazards.
- Avoid using nails and thumbtacks when installing Christmas lights. Nails, thumbtacks, and wire staples can damage Christmas lights and create fire hazards. Use light hangers instead, which are available in hardware and home stores.
- Avoid ‘octopus’ connections: Don’t attempt to plug extension cords into one another or octopus connection. Overloaded electrical outlets or extension cords are among the most common causes of fire incidents.
- Have a working fire extinguisher ready at home: To ensure safety during the holiday season, keep a working fire extinguisher ready at home in case of emergencies.
While Meralco Business Centers are closed on Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25), customers can still report power outages and other concerns to Meralco through its official social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and X formerly Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111.