How to Avoid Electric Shocks during Heavy Rain and Strong Wind

To avoid electric shock, people should not take shelter at the base of the electric pole, near the transformer station, touch the electric pole directly, ground wire, pole guy wire, electricity meter box... during rainy weather.

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While cleaning up garbage on the roof of a house on Nguyen Suy Street, Tan Phu District, HCMC, the homeowner was electrocuted and died. Image: An Huy.

In the first days of July, there have been multiple cases of deaths due to electric shocks in HCMC during rainy and windy weather.

On July 1, the owner of a house on Nguyen Van Khoi Street (Go Vap District) was repairing the electricity on the rooftop when he suddenly had a convulsion and died, suspected of being electrocuted. It was raining at that time.

On the same day, residents living near the Public Policy and Rural Development School (Ben Nghe Ward, District 1) discovered a man lying still on the school’s metal roof, suspected of being electrocuted.

The next day, a man climbed onto the roof of a house on Nguyen Suy Street (Tan Phu District) to clean up garbage, unfortunately, he died, suspected of being electrocuted. It was raining at the time of the incident.

Le Thi Xuan Lan, former Deputy Head of the Meteorological Forecasting Department of the Southern Region, assessed that HCMC and the Southern Region are currently in the peak rainy season. Therefore, heavy rains like these days will continue to occur.

“The southwest monsoon alone causes disturbances, thundercloud clusters from the sea to form or form directly on land, causing storms, lightning, strong winds, and tornados. When the thundercloud cluster develops strongly, lightning will occur between the clouds,” Lan said.


Heavy rains like these days will continue to occur in HCMC. Image: Quynh Danh.

A meteorologist observed that cases of electric shocks during rainy showers often occurred when people went up to the rooftop to take clothes, clean up garbage, repair electricity, etc. During strong winds, electrical wires may sag or break and touch the metal roof, water tank, or TV antenna on the roof. In some cases, the electrical wires may not touch these objects but if they are exposed for a long time and then fall onto a wet floor, they can conduct electricity and cause death.

Lan advises people to avoid puddles, metal objects that conduct electricity, not to climb onto the roof, or use the bathroom during thunderstorms. It is recommended to sit inside the house and wear rubber-soled slippers for insulation.

The HCMC Power Company also advises residents not to stand near power poles, under awnings near substations, touch power poles, ground wires, pole grounding wires, electric meter boxes, switchboards, go to the rooftop or the place where there are power lines, make unauthorized repairs to power lines, outdoor electrical appliances during rain showers.

At the same time, people should disconnect the power supply if the house is flooded or if the floor, power sockets, and electrical devices are wet and at risk of electrical malfunction.

It is also recommended to install electrical wiring, sockets, and electrical devices in the house above the usual flood level, humid environment, and install circuit breakers with insulation features.

During heavy rain and strong winds, people should cut off the power supply to outdoor electrical appliances. It is especially important to stay away from and alert people around when detecting fallen power poles, electrical wires falling onto the road, fields, ponds, lakes,…

The city’s People’s Committee has also directed the heads of departments, agencies, and units to review and take measures to handle branches, branches of tall trees that are prone to falling, especially green trees in school areas, hospitals, parks, residential areas, etc.

During heavy rain and strong winds, it is necessary to evacuate residents (especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, disabled people, and the sick) from temporary houses to safe shelters.

According to Zing

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Frequently asked questions

To protect yourself from electric shocks during inclement weather, it is crucial to be vigilant and take precautionary measures. Ensure you stay indoors and avoid seeking shelter under trees or tall structures. Do not touch any electrical appliances or metal objects that are conducting electricity. If you must go outside, wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid touching electrical equipment or water sources. Stay away from fallen power lines and report them immediately to the appropriate authorities.

Electric shocks during heavy rain and strong winds can occur due to various factors. One common cause is lightning strikes, which can damage power lines and electrical equipment, leading to exposed wires or faulty connections. Strong winds can also cause power lines to come into contact with each other or with conductive objects, resulting in arcing and electrical discharges. Additionally, flooding can lead to water infiltration into electrical systems, creating hazardous conditions.

To prevent electric shocks at home during such weather conditions, it is advisable to install surge protectors on your electrical appliances and wiring. Ensure that your home’s electrical system is properly grounded and that all wiring is up to code. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and be cautious when using extension cords. Regularly inspect your home for any signs of water damage or electrical faults, and address them promptly.

If you experience an electric shock, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. Immediately stop any contact with the source of electricity by moving away or using a non-conductive object to separate yourself. If you are unable to move due to muscle contraction, try to break the circuit by shutting off the power source or using a circuit breaker. Once you are safe, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine, as internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Yes, electric shocks can have potential long-term health effects. These effects can include cardiac issues, neurological problems, and psychological impacts such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to seek medical attention and follow-up care to monitor and address any potential long-term consequences.