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On average, more deaths occur in the U.S. each year from flooding than from any other type of natural disaster. While the majority of these involve vehicles being swept away, some are due to electrocutions. As water is a natural conductor, the risk of an electrical shock is heightened any time water and electricity are in close proximity. This makes the threat of electrocution during periods of flooding extremely high.
Before the Flood
If you live in an area where there is a possibility that flooding might occur, there are ways to minimize your risk long before bad weather shows up. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlets have been required for bathrooms for years. But they can be used throughout a home with little to no alteration. GFCI outlets have a built-in circuit breaker that will automatically trip if the plug becomes grounded. This safety feature cuts off the flow of electricity.
When the threat of flooding is imminent, it is a good idea to turn off the power in your home while it is still dry. How should you turn off power at the electrical panel box? The panel box has circuit breakers for each circuit as well as a main shut-off switch. You should first flip each individual circuit breaker one at a time and then turn off the main circuit breaker.
If your breaker box is located outside or in a basement that might already be holding water, don’t attempt to turn off the power yourself. Contact your utility company and ask them to kill the power at the meter.
Until that can be accomplished, unplug all electrical devices. If possible, move them to higher locations in the house so they don’t become submerged or even by touched by water.
During a Flood
If your home or business has begun to flood, keep these safety measures in mind to reduce your risk of electrocution:
There is almost as much electrical risk in the aftermath of a flood as there is in the flood itself. Extreme caution should be used when re-entering an area to begin cleaning up. If your power was not turned off, then you should not enter your home until it can be verified that it is safe.
If you did turn your power off, you should not attempt to turn it back on yourself. Have your wiring checked by a licensed electrician, and have them re-energize your circuits.
Any appliances that have become wet should not be plugged back in until they can be checked by a technician and found to be safe. A small amount of moisture trapped inside an appliance can cause major damage. Some damaged appliances can be refurbished and returned to use. But none should be tried without being properly checked.
Water and electricity are not a good mix. Always ere on the side of caution when there is a risk of encountering the two in the same space.
Before the Flood
If you live in an area where there is a possibility that flooding might occur, there are ways to minimize your risk long before bad weather shows up. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlets have been required for bathrooms for years. But they can be used throughout a home with little to no alteration. GFCI outlets have a built-in circuit breaker that will automatically trip if the plug becomes grounded. This safety feature cuts off the flow of electricity.
When the threat of flooding is imminent, it is a good idea to turn off the power in your home while it is still dry. How should you turn off power at the electrical panel box? The panel box has circuit breakers for each circuit as well as a main shut-off switch. You should first flip each individual circuit breaker one at a time and then turn off the main circuit breaker.
If your breaker box is located outside or in a basement that might already be holding water, don’t attempt to turn off the power yourself. Contact your utility company and ask them to kill the power at the meter.
Until that can be accomplished, unplug all electrical devices. If possible, move them to higher locations in the house so they don’t become submerged or even by touched by water.
During a Flood
If your home or business has begun to flood, keep these safety measures in mind to reduce your risk of electrocution:
- Do not touch any electrical devices or appliances while standing in water.
- Do not touch anything electrical that has been in contact with water.
- Do not enter any area where the water has risen above the electrical outlets.
- Beware of areas where any wiring may be underwater.
- If you need to evacuate or leave your home, beware of fallen power lines that create a risk of electrocution. Do not touch or come into contact with downed power lines.
There is almost as much electrical risk in the aftermath of a flood as there is in the flood itself. Extreme caution should be used when re-entering an area to begin cleaning up. If your power was not turned off, then you should not enter your home until it can be verified that it is safe.
If you did turn your power off, you should not attempt to turn it back on yourself. Have your wiring checked by a licensed electrician, and have them re-energize your circuits.
Any appliances that have become wet should not be plugged back in until they can be checked by a technician and found to be safe. A small amount of moisture trapped inside an appliance can cause major damage. Some damaged appliances can be refurbished and returned to use. But none should be tried without being properly checked.
Water and electricity are not a good mix. Always ere on the side of caution when there is a risk of encountering the two in the same space.
