These waterlogged areas near residents should be approached with caution. Aside from potentially causing various diseases, standing water is a conductor of electricity and can carry electrical currents. According to Kompas.com (January 1, 2020), a resident named Alvico Arif Ardana (16) died, allegedly due to being electrocuted in floodwaters in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (January 1, 2020).

To prevent electrocution during floods, PLN urges residents to be cautious when their area starts to flood. According to a report from Kompas.com (January 1, 2020), the General Manager of PLN's Jakarta Distribution Unit, Ikhsan Asaad, advised the public to take five precautions during flooding, which include:

1. Turn off the electricity from the Meter Circuit Breaker (MCB)

2. Unplug all electrical appliances connected to outlets

3. Move electronic devices to a safer location

4. If the electricity flow around the house hasn't been turned off, immediately contact the 123 Contact Center, the PLN Mobile app, or the nearest PLN office to request a shutdown

5. After the floodwater recedes, ensure all electronic devices and electrical systems are dry

Effects of Electric Shock

During and after a flood, it is important for residents to be aware of standing water, which can unknowingly carry electrical currents through the body, leading to electric shocks. Electric shocks can burn internal and external body tissues and even damage organs.

In addition to household electrical sources, residents should also be cautious of lightning during storms to avoid electric shocks. According to Health Line, the body’s response to electric shock can vary based on the severity of the shock. Symptoms of electric shock may include:

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle spasms

• Numbness or tingling

• Respiratory distress

• Headaches

• Vision or hearing problems

• Burns

• Disrupted heart rhythm

Besides these symptoms, electric shocks can also lead to compartment syndrome, characterized by muscle damage causing swelling in the affected limbs. Compartment syndrome can also compress arteries, leading to serious health issues. It usually doesn’t appear immediately after an electric shock, so it is important to stay alert, especially if swelling is observed in the arms or legs.

How to Treat Electric Shock Victims

Given the health dangers of electric shock, prompt treatment is crucial. Quick response can minimize the effects or risks of further complications. If you are the one affected, it’s easy to experience shock and confusion, but try the following steps for safety:

• Stay still unless you need to move away from the electrical source

• Disconnect the electrical source as quickly as possible

• If you cannot do it, shout for help from those nearby

• If possible, call emergency services to ensure your safety

• If symptoms aren’t severe, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not dismiss it, as internal injuries may not be immediately apparent

• Cover any burns with sterile gauze

• Do not use adhesive bandages or anything that could stick to the burn

Electric shock incidents could also affect people around you. Don’t forget to save them while keeping yourself safe. When encountering such a situation, do the following:

• Never touch someone who is electrocuted, especially if the person is still in contact with the electrical source

• Do not move the electrocuted person, to avoid causing further electric shock hazards

• Turn off the power supply if possible

• If possible, move the victim away from the electrical source using an insulating object. Wood and rubber are the best choices

• Make sure not to use anything wet or metal-based

• Maintain a six-meter distance if the victim has been electrocuted by high-voltage electricity. Contact local emergency services if the person is struck by lightning or comes into contact with high-voltage electricity, such as power cables

• Call emergency medical services if the victim experiences shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle pain, numbness, or irregular heart rate

• Check the person’s breathing and pulse. If necessary, perform chest compressions and give artificial respiration until emergency assistance arrives

• Cover any burns with sterile gauze

• Do not use plasters or anything that could stick to the burn

• Keep the person warm.