How to Be Safe With Electricity During Floods

It is good practice to have safety precautions in place in the event of a flood, particularly if you live in a flood plain or along coastlines that are vulnerable to severe hurricanes. Flash floods often follow severe thunderstorms, while widespread flooding normally develops over several hours or even days. While you cannot control the weather, you can be prepared as much as possible for such events. Among other safety preparations, you must take into account the potential danger presented by electricity during floods, because water and electricity do not mix well.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn how to turn off gas and electrical sources in your home from the main switches or valves. Share this information with your family and caregivers. Keep any necessary tools that may be necessary for this task close by the shutoff valves. Disconnect all electronic appliances and equipment beforehand when a flood is imminent. Use the land line telephone only in an emergency.

• 2

  Purchase a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shock injuries and electrocutions. A portable GFCI does not require any tools to install and is relatively inexpensive.

• 3

  Have a qualified electrical serviceman check out the wiring in your home and appliances to ensure that they are safe for use. Do not flip on a switch or plug in an appliance before you get a professional's go ahead.

• 4

  Dry out and thoroughly recondition any electrical motors in appliances that have been drenched or submerged. Do not turn on any water-damaged appliances until a professional has checked them out. They present an electric shock hazard and may overheat and start a fire. Let the professionals advise you on what can be reused and what should be replaced to avoid any danger.

• 5

  Avoid letting any power cord connections get wet. Never bypass or remove the ground pin that is on a three-prong plug to use as a nongrounded outlet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to avoid electric shock.

• 6

  Discard and replace any circuit breakers or fuses (or gas control valves) that have been submerged under water. These tend to malfunction when exposed to water and silt, and they pose a serious fire hazard.

• 7

  Stay away from downed power lines. While lying on the ground, they might look harmless, but they can cause an electric shock that can be mortally dangerous. Report any downed power lines to the local power company, which will typically dispatch an emergency crew comprised of trained professionals to handle the situation.