Pets and electricity: Equatorial provides guidance on accident prevention

The presence of pets indoors also requires attention to the safety of electrical installations. Dogs and cats, especially younger ones, can come into contact with wires, sockets and equipment during their activities and, in risky situations, suffer electric shocks and other types of injuries. Therefore, Equatorial Maranhão reinforces guidelines to help prevent accidents involving pets and electricity. The curiosity of animals, especially puppies, can increase the possibility of contact with wires, sockets and electrical equipment. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, chewing on electrical cables is the most common cause of electrical injuries in small animals. Contact with electricity can cause burns, neurological changes and, in serious cases, cardiac or respiratory arrest. Therefore, prevention begins by organizing the environment and reducing animal access to points that may pose a risk. For Equatorial Maranhão's Security Executive, Gabriel Vieira, attention should be part of the tutors' routine. "It's great fun to have a pet, but it also requires additional care, especially when it comes to electricity. Some animals are curious by nature, so loose wires, exposed extension cords and unprotected sockets are potential sources of danger. Therefore, it is essential to protect the environment to minimize the risk of electric shocks", advises the Executive. Care to make the environment safer Some simple measures help reduce the exposure of animals to electrical risks: ? Keep wires and cables out of the reach of animals: use channels or other suitable forms of organization to prevent pets from having access to the wiring; ? Protect sockets: using protectors helps prevent animals from coming into contact with power points; ? Check the condition of the cables: damaged or worn wires must be replaced immediately, as they may increase the risk of electric shock; ? Avoid extensions and improvised connections: reduce the use of extensions; ? Turn off appliances that are not in use: whenever possible, unplug electrical equipment that is not being used; ? Keep electrical equipment away from water: household appliances and other devices plugged into the socket should not be kept in places where water accumulates. The presence of a wet animal increases the risk of an accident in the event of contact with energized equipment; ? Define circulation areas: in places with a greater concentration of wires and electrical equipment, the use of fences or fences can help restrict animal access; ? Pay extra attention with puppies: younger animals may exhibit greater exploration and chewing behavior, which requires special attention with cables and sockets. What to do in case of an accident If the animal bites a wire or comes into contact with a power source, do not directly touch the pet while it is in contact with electricity. First, you must safely interrupt the power source by turning off the circuit breaker or main switch. The guideline is also to avoid any attempt to move the animal away with your hands or objects, until the power source has been turned off. After turning off the power and removing the animal from the risk situation, the recommendation is to seek veterinary care, even if no apparent signs of injury are noticed. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, complications can develop after shock, and animals that survive an electrical injury may require evaluation and monitoring. In incidents involving the external electrical network, such as broken cables or downed wires, the recommendation is to keep people and animals away from the location and contact Equatorial Maranhão by calling 116. Downed wires must be considered energized until the technical teams provide assistance. VC+ Seguro Movement Equatorial Maranhão reinforces that these guidelines are part of the “Vc+ Seguro” Movement, an initiative that acts preventively, guiding its customers and reinforcing the importance of safety with electrical energy to avoid accidents. The campaign aims to expand access to information and raise awareness among the population about the risks and dangers related to the use of electrical energy, reaffirming the Distributor's commitment to safety, accident prevention and the well-being of the community. Red August During the month of August, the movement's actions are reinforced with the Red August campaign, an initiative promoted by the Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors (Abradee), aimed at raising awareness among the population about the risks of accidents involving the electrical grid.