Equatorial Maranhão provides guidance on installing wire fences in rural areas

The installation of wire fences is a common practice on rural properties, used to delimit areas, organize spaces and protect animals and crops. However, the construction and maintenance of these structures require planning and attention to safety criteria, especially when carried out close to the electricity grid or in places with a high incidence of storms and atmospheric discharges. Equatorial Maranhão provides guidance on the installation of wire fences in rural areas Disclosure/Equatorial As they are extensive and produced with conductive materials, fences can pose risks when installed inappropriately or when there is contact with the structure during rain accompanied by lightning. The use of materials without technical guidance, the absence of protective measures and carrying out activities in adverse weather conditions can increase the exposure of workers and residents to accidents. Accidents in the countryside reinforce the need for prevention The risks related to the use of electricity in rural areas also appear in national data. The 2026 Statistical Yearbook of Electrical Accidents, prepared by the Brazilian Association for Awareness for the Dangers of Electricity (Abracopel), recorded 65 electric shock accidents involving rural workers or farmers in 2025. Of this total, 61 resulted in deaths. In the historical series presented by the survey, rural areas appear among the places with the highest number of fatal accidents due to electric shock. The data reinforces the importance of planning activities, adopting safe practices and providing guidance from qualified professionals when carrying out services in the field. To reduce risks, Equatorial Maranhão recommends that the installation and maintenance of fences be carried out with technical monitoring and considering the characteristics of the terrain, the presence of electrical structures and environmental conditions. Care before and during installation Before starting the service, it is important to observe the presence of poles, wires and other electrical network structures nearby. Wires, tools and equipment used in construction must be transported and handled carefully, avoiding any proximity or contact with the network. For a safer installation, Equatorial Maranhão recommends: • Seek guidance from qualified professionals before starting construction; • Observe the presence of the electrical network and maintain distance when transporting and handling wires, tools and equipment; • Carry out grounding and sectioning according to the characteristics of the property; • Avoid improvised installations and services during rain or storms; • Carry out periodic maintenance and correct damage identified in the structure; • Do not attempt to resolve situations involving electrical wires or equipment. According to the Superintendent of the Central Region of Equatorial Maranhão, Guilherme Medina, the installation of fences should not be carried out improvised. "To carry out the construction of fences in rural areas, it is necessary to consult qualified professionals and specialized companies so that everything is done correctly, following safety criteria. This way, if lightning strikes the fence, the risks of propagating electrical discharge can be reduced, contributing to the safety of the population", he states. During storms, keep your distance In case of rain accompanied by lightning, the recommendation is to stop external activities and avoid contact with wire fences, metal structures and other objects that can conduct electricity. Installation, maintenance or repair services must not be carried out during adverse weather conditions. Activities should only be resumed when the weather is stable and there are safe conditions for work. It is also important to carry out periodic inspections to identify broken wires, wear and other damage that could compromise the safety of the structure. In the event of an accident or risk involving the electrical network, the advice is to stay away from the location, prevent other people from approaching and call the emergency services. The Fire Department can be contacted at number 193 and the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) at 192. When wires or equipment from the distribution network are involved, Equatorial Maranhão must be called at number 116. VC+ Seguro Movement Equatorial Maranhão reinforces that these guidelines are part of the “Vc+ Seguro” Movement, an initiative that acts in a preventive manner, 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.