Electrical Dangers Rise Along with Flood Waters in the Carolinas

For Immediate Release

Contact: Erin Hollinshead

(217) 546-6815 Email:ehollins@illinois.edu

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) —Hurricane Florence has weakened, but the storm is far from over. The threat of tornadoes and continued flooding remains a serious problem in many areas. Hundreds of thousands remain without power in the Carolinas and many are turning to generators to power their homes. Safe Electricity wants consumers to be aware of electrical hazards from flooding as well as generator safety considerations.

At least three deaths have been associated with generators in the Carolinas. One North Carolina man was killed when he was electrocuted while plugging in his generator, and a couple in South Carolina died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from their generator.

“Improper use of a standby or portable generator can be deadly to the user and others in the area,” says Erin Hollinshead, executive director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program. “It’s important to follow all safety measures to help keep yourself and others safe.”

Safety measures for using a generator during and after a storm include:

Make sure the generator stays dry during its operation, and never touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Operate generators only outside the home – away from the garage, windows and air intakes – to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from getting inside. Keep generators away from children and pets.
Never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet or home electrical equipment. Connect appliances to portable generators after they have been started, using three prong plug heavy duty extension cords rated for the wattage of the load being connected.
Whether using a standby or portable generator, understand the dangers of back-feeding power into the electrical system and measures to prevent it to help protect others, including utility line workers, from possible electrocution.

Flooding will continue to be a danger for some time to come. Always be alert to the possibility that floodwaters or storm debris may hide electrical hazards. Take these steps to protect against electric shock:

Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords. The water could be energized, and could shock or electrocute you.
Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so.
If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used.
When cleaning up, don’t use electric yard tools if the ground or you are wet.
Stay away from downed lines or submerged electrical equipment outside. They can still be energized and energize the area around them. Report their location to the utility.

Safe Electricity urges everyone to keep safety top of mind during storm recovery and to learn more at SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501(c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within University of Illinois Extension and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.