Rain and electricity don't mix: ECG's 5-point safety guide every Ghanaian must read
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a public safety advisory warning Ghanaians about the deadly combination of rain and electricity, as the rainy season brings increased risks of fallen power lines, flooding and damaged electrical equipment.
In a public notice titled "Rainstorm and Electricity – A Dangerous Combination," ECG cautioned that fallen power lines, flooded areas and damaged electrical equipment can be deadly, urging citizens to take urgent precautions to protect themselves and their families.
The advisory, which was released as heavy rains continue to affect parts of the country, emphasised that rain and electricity do not mix. ECG advised the public to stay away from fallen power lines and to assume any fallen line is live and dangerous, regardless of whether it appears inactive.
"Never assume a fallen line is safe. It may be live and deadly," the notice read.
The company also advised Ghanaians to unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms to prevent damage and electric shock, and never to walk through flooded areas near electrical installations, as submerged electrical equipment can pose a serious risk of electrocution.
ECG urged the public to report any hazards immediately via the company's emergency hotline number: 0302611611.
"Stay alert, stay safe," the advisory concluded.
The warning comes at a critical time as several regions across Ghana have experienced rainstorms in recent days, leading to power outages in some communities due to fallen lines and flooding at distribution substations.
Last week, ECG announced that flooding from the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam had cut power to Ashbread, White Cross, Kinshasha, Tetegu and surrounding areas after water submerged some distribution substations.
ECG has consistently advised the public to treat all fallen power lines as live and dangerous, and to maintain a safe distance while awaiting the arrival of technical teams to address the situation.
The company also reminded the public that attempting to remove fallen lines or move through flooded areas near electrical infrastructure without professional assistance could result in serious injury or death.
The public has been encouraged to keep the ECG emergency hotline handy and to report any electrical hazards they encounter during the rainy season.
Here are the five safety points from the ECG public advisory document:
1. Stay away from fallen power lines. Never assume a fallen line is safe. It may be live and deadly.
2. Unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms. This helps prevent damage to appliances and reduces the risk of electric shock.
3. Never walk through flooded areas near electrical installations. Submerged electrical equipment can be live and cause electrocution.
4. Assume any fallen line is live. Even if a power line appears inactive or safe, treat it as dangerous at all times.
5. Report hazards immediately. Contact ECG on 0302611611 to report fallen lines, damaged equipment or any electrical danger in your community.
