Flooding: Keep Your Family Safe
Heavy rains often cause flooding in lowland areas, homes and basements. The prospect of an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you’re dealing with a flooded basement, room, or even outdoors. However, it should be top of mind before you step foot in the water.
Safe Electricity urges everyone to stay alert for electrical hazards after flooding. Electrical equipment can be energized and in contact with water, posing a serious risk of electrocution. Be cautious when cleaning up or using water-damaged appliances, as they can also be dangerous. Parents and caregivers should talk with children about these risks to help keep them safe.
Safety measures to remember include:
- Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
- Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.
- Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when you’re wet or when you’re standing in water.
- If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used. It may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if it’s raining or the ground is wet.
A good safety measure is to have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) professionally installed on outlets. These safety devices can cut off power instantly if there’s a problem. GFCIs are recommended for outdoor outlets and outlets near wet areas of the home, such as kitchen, bath and laundry room.
In addition to the dangers flooding presents in a home, there are many others to consider during a flood, like:
- Never drive into flood waters because it is very difficult to tell by sight how deep floodwaters are. It only takes 6 inches of water for your car to lose control and stall. Your car could be swept out of control and into electrical dangers.
- Also, do not enter flood waters on foot or in boat. Flood waters hold unknown dangers. The water could be energized or could sweep you into electrical equipment. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- If you see downed power lines or damaged equipment, stay away, warn others to stay away and notify authorities.
If you are in a flood-prone area, there are steps you can take before flooding begins:
- Have a sump pump with a back-up battery in case the power goes out so that an alarm to alerts you of flooding.
- Elevate the water heater, electric panel and furnace to keep them clear of potential flood waters.
