Electric Safety During Flood

Being prepared for, and responding safety during and after a flood, can make a big difference in the impact a flood will have on you and your home.  In any flood situation, electrical safety is of extreme importance. 

Be careful when using electrical appliances when the water level is rising in your home.

If you are instructed to move to a temporary evacuation center, make sure the main switch is off.

• Do not touch any electrical appliances or switches with wet hands
• Make sure appliances which are submerged in flood water are inspected and tested by certified electrical contractors before reuse

Please be aware, power may be turned off due to safety concerns at the request of local authorities, when flood waters threaten a community.

Here are some electrical safety precautions for residents and businesses:

Before flooding conditions exist

• Make sure the electrical circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home or business.
• If high water is approaching and the floor is dry, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
• Unplug appliances—but again, only if you don't have to stand in water. If possible you should move larger appliances such as washing machines to a higher floor, or place them on concrete blocks.
• Farmers who have electric irrigation pumps should contact NPPD to be disconnected if they are threatened by flood waters.
• If you use a generator, only connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system. Consult a licensed electrician. 

During flood conditions

• Don't go into any room or basement if water is covering appliance cords that are plugged in or if water has reached the wall outlets.
• Don't enter a room if you hear popping or buzzing, or if you see sparks.
• If you see downed power lines, call NPPD. Be careful around downed tree limbs. They can conduct electricity from wet or broken power lines.
• Individuals should remain a safe distance from all ground level electrical boxes, to avoid an electrical hazard.
• Before entering a flooded building or basement, make certain the electricity is off. If it hasn't been turned off, or if you're not sure, call NPPD or your local public power provider. Don't go in!

After flood waters have receded

• If the electrical panel has been covered by water, the resident or business should contact an electrician to determine the safety of the unit.  If the panel has not been covered by water, call NPPD or the local public power provider. This is a safety issue for both the resident and the utility crew.
• If your furnace was flooded, have it inspected by a qualified HVAC technician.

 For more useful and related information of the topic, check out in the links below: