Residents are asked to ensure a safe environment in their homes and to avoid approaching power lines during storms. If broken wires are noticed, it is necessary to urgently report it to ESO at number 1852.
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“ESO specialists are ready to respond promptly and eliminate the consequences caused by the storm, and we ask residents to prepare for the storm and exercise caution – remove unsecured items from balconies and terraces that the wind could lift, avoid unnecessary trips if possible, and keep a safe distance from power lines or network elements when outside,” says ESO communications project manager Linas Toleikis.
ESO reminds that if damaged electrical network equipment or broken electrical wires are noticed, it is necessary to immediately report it to ESO by the short number 1802 or the general emergency number 112. Power supply disruptions can be registered on the ESO website. If the disruption has already been registered, no additional report is needed.
Meteorologists warn that on August 22 from about 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., strong and very strong westerly winds are forecasted in Lithuania. In many places, wind gusts will reach 18–23 m/s, locally 24–27 m/s, and on the coast – 28–30 m/s. In some parts of the country, the criteria for a severe meteorological event – very strong wind – may be met. Also, on August 22, heavy rain is expected in the western and northwestern parts of the country – 20–40 mm of precipitation may fall, and locally in some places – 50 mm or more.
ESO reminds of four key behavior principles to help avoid serious accidents
Do not approach. The main thing everyone must remember: if a broken wire or any other damaged electrical device – transformer station, substation – is noticed, under no circumstances approach it. There should be at least an 8-meter distance between a person and a broken wire. Care should also be taken with trees fallen on power lines or toppled poles, which can also be life-threatening. It is also not recommended to approach or, even more so, touch them.
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Report. If a broken wire is noticed, it is important to report the accident as soon as possible to ESO by the short number 1802 or the general emergency number 112. If possible, avoid approaching the accident site, do not allow other people or animals to approach it, and call the mentioned numbers as soon as possible so that an operational team can be immediately dispatched to the scene. They will eliminate the consequences of the accident. Only ESO specialists can turn off the power supply in the external network; do not risk doing anything yourself and leave these tasks to the specialists.
Move with small steps or hops. When near a high-voltage source, one should move with small steps, keeping the feet close together. The danger is greater during rain when the ground and grass are wet. In such cases, it is recommended to move away from the accident site, but not to run, rather move with small steps or hops. Walking normally poses a risk of creating an electric circuit and getting a shock.
Exit the vehicle with both feet together. A broken electrical wire may fall on a vehicle. In such a case, if there are no other dangers, it may be safer to stay inside the vehicle – its rubber tires act as an insulating barrier, preventing the formation of an electric circuit. It is important not to touch metal parts or electrical devices. If it is necessary to get out of the vehicle, it must be done differently than usual. You should jump out with both feet together, not touching the vehicle, to avoid creating a circuit and getting shocked.
About 80% of power supply outages occur due to disruptions in the 10 kV network, which is vulnerable to falling trees and branches.
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