A major worry for people during the rainy season, especially if floodwaters get inside their homes, is damage to appliances.
I lost my favorite air cooler during the heavy rains two weeks ago. I woke up and saw it floating in my living room, which had water a little above my ankle.
Fortunately, everything else worked after I allowed them to dry out and cleaned them.
But damage to appliances is always a serious concern. It is not just the inconvenience of not being able to use the appliances for a while that worry people, but the cost, too, of having them repaired or, in extreme cases, replaced.
With the typhoon season still not over, I am glad that leading appliance manufacturer Electrolux sent some tips on how people can protect their things from getting damaged. Here are Electrolux’s suggestions to protect your appliance from major damage:
- Make sure that electricity is shut down before handling flood-damaged appliances. Ensure that the electrical box is completely off before unplugging damaged appliances.
- Watch out for leaks from gas appliances, like cooking ranges and ovens. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your house immediately and call the fire department.
- Clean the appliance’s exterior and interior, including its detachable parts, using wet cloth and household cleaners with disinfectant. Do not touch electric and electronic parts, wires and cables.
- Remove odors with a solution consisting of one teaspoon baking soda and a quart of warm water.
- Leave all doors and shelves open to dry.
- Do not attempt to operate the appliance even after cleaning and drying without the supervision of an authorized technician. Call the appliance maker’s customer care line for an evaluation.
Electrolux announced that it’s offering a 50-percent discount on labor and spare parts for the repair of affected appliances until Sept. 30. Call 845-CARE (2273) or the domestic toll-free (PLDT) number 1-800-10-845-CARE (2273).
You may also visit the Electrolux Customer Service Hub, Grundfos Bldg., 5548 Osmeña Highway, Barangay San Isidro, Makati City, or call 5567012 or 8281860. Those in the Visayas and Mindanao may visit the Electrolux Customer Service Hub in Cebu, 3/F Jesa ITC Bldg., 90 Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City, or call 32-2661792 or 2661639. Like them on Facebook (facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook) and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ElectroluxPH.
Report scams
Sen. Grace Poe asks people who receive text messages telling them they “won” in a raffle conducted by a foundation bearing her name to bring the matter to the attention of the police.
In a press statement, Poe’s office said, “We strongly warn the public against bogus e-mail and text messages informing recipients that they ‘won’ in a raffle and unlawfully using my name. This is a scam.”
I was also informed they asked the National Telecommunications Commission to block the number from which the “good news” of my win was sent.
But I am sure that clever person who sent the message has already acquired a new prepaid SIM (subscriber identity module) and is probably sending out more “good news.”
At least now you know that anything that purportedly comes from Poe’s office is a scam.
As I keep saying, if you have not participated in a raffle by buying anything or submitting something, you cannot possibly win. Nobody conducts a raffle simply using SIM numbers or e-mail addresses.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail lbolido@inquirer.com.ph.