Trystan Casey
Floods can be extremely dangerous, and electricity only adds to the risk. The old saying goes that electricity and water don't mix, and this is especially true during a flood. Even if the power company has turned off the electricity supply, it is advisable to turn it off at the fuse or breaker box as well, unless doing so requires you to stand in water or on a wet floor. Flood water can contaminate electrical appliances, and there is a high chance that appliances that have been partially or fully submerged will never be safe to use again.
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What You'll Learn
Safety precautions to take before a flood
Flooding is a leading cause of death in many disasters, and electrical accidents are a serious concern. Here are some safety precautions to take before a flood:
Firstly, find out if your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area. If you live in a flood zone, be prepared to evacuate quickly and have an emergency kit ready. Make sure your electric circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home. If possible, turn off electricity at the main breaker box, but only if you don't have to stand in water to do so. Unplug small appliances, but never unplug anything if you have to stand in water or on a damp floor. If there is no water near your large appliances, unplug and move them to higher ground.
Before a flood, elevate items stored in your basement or low-lying areas to prevent damage. If you have a sump pump, ensure it has a backup battery in case of a power outage. You can also elevate your water heater, electric panel, and furnace to protect them from floodwaters. Additionally, consider installing "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains.
Other important precautions include purchasing flood insurance, knowing your evacuation zone, and making an emergency plan for your family and pets. It is also crucial to listen to local authorities and follow their instructions.
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What to do if your home is being flooded
If your home is being flooded, the first thing to do is to ensure you and your family are safe. Avoid any extra risks, such as stepping into floodwaters, which can be contaminated, sweep you off your feet, or hide electrical hazards. Do not enter floodwaters on foot or in a boat. More than half of flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle travels into flood water, so avoid driving through flooded areas.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main breaker box to prevent electrocution and permanent damage to your wiring. Do not turn off the power if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so. If you have gas, shut this off too, as floodwater can create leaks in gas lines.
Once the water has receded, it is a good idea to have a qualified electrician check your wiring and electrical appliances. Take photos and videos of the damage before you begin to clean up and throw away items. You should also document all your contacts, including names and dates. If you have insurance, check with your provider before removing any items or cleaning up, and check what steps you need to take to make a claim.
As soon as possible, within the first 24 to 48 hours, start to dry things out to minimize damage and prevent mould growth. Wear protective clothing and use appropriate gear. Remove wet items, and throw out anything that has been saturated for more than 48 hours, as it may have started to grow mould. Dry out valuable keepsakes carefully, using gentle air drying and soft cloths or brushes to remove debris and moisture.
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How to clean electrical appliances after a flood
During a flood, it is imperative to prioritise your safety. Do not enter flooded areas or handle electrical appliances if there is a risk of electrocution. Turn off the main electrical supply to your home or specific circuits connected to the affected areas before attempting any inspection or cleaning.
Disconnect and Unplug: Before the flood, if possible, unplug electrical appliances to protect them from a power surge. After the flood, if it is safe to do so, turn off the main electrical supply and then unplug all appliances.
Dry and Clean: Ensure all electrical appliances are thoroughly dried before attempting to use or plug them in. Allow them to air dry for several days. Clean and sanitise the appliances, as floodwaters can introduce contaminants and bacteria.
Professional Inspection: Consult a qualified electrician or appliance repair technician to evaluate the condition of your appliances. They will inspect for water damage, clean and dry internal components, and advise on repairs or replacements. This step is crucial, as floodwaters can compromise electrical components, motors, and internal mechanisms, leading to potential hazards such as short circuits and electrical fires.
Repair or Replace: Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional will recommend repairing or replacing the appliance. Safety must be the top concern, and it may be cheaper to replace a water-damaged appliance than to repair multiple components.
Preventative Measures: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating your appliances on platforms or stands to keep them above potential floodwaters. Additionally, you can install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outlets, which instantly cut off power if there is a problem.
Remember, never use flooded appliances without a professional inspection, as it can pose serious safety risks.
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The dangers of flood waters
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and their frequency and intensity are increasing due to climate change. As such, it is important to be aware of the dangers posed by flood waters.
Firstly, flood waters can be energized and pose a serious risk of electric shock. This can occur if electrical appliances have been in contact with water or if power lines have been downed by the flood. It is crucial to never enter flood waters, whether on foot, by boat, or by car, as just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet and a car can lose control and stall. If you see any damaged electrical equipment, stay away and notify the authorities.
Secondly, flood waters are often contaminated with hazardous waste, including household chemicals such as bleach and cleaning solutions, medical waste like bodily fluids and pharmaceuticals, and industrial waste such as paints and heavy metal solutions. Continuous heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer and drainage systems, leading to the contamination of floodwaters with animal and human waste. It is important to minimize contact with floodwater, especially if you have any open wounds, and to wear protective equipment such as gloves, waders, and face masks if you must come into contact with it.
Additionally, flash floods can occur rapidly, within just 6 hours of the immediate cause, and can turn small waterways into violent, raging rivers. Urban areas, canyons, and dried-up river beds are particularly susceptible to flash floods due to the hard, impermeable surfaces that prevent water absorption. Steep or mountainous terrain can also contribute to rapid runoff, causing water levels to rise quickly.
In preparation for potential flooding, it is recommended to have an emergency kit ready and to ensure your electric circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home. If you need to turn off the electricity, do so at the main breaker box or fuse box, but only if you do not have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do it. Unplug small appliances, but never disconnect them if you have to be in contact with water to do so. If there is no water near your large appliances, unplug and move them to higher ground if possible.
In summary, flood waters pose a serious threat to both life and property, and it is important to prioritize electrical safety and minimize contact with contaminated water to stay safe during a flood.
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Safety measures to take after a flood
Flooding can be extremely dangerous, and electrical safety is of paramount importance. Even after the flood waters have receded, there are still many hazards to be aware of. Here are some safety measures to take after a flood:
Firstly, be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards. Stay away from damaged areas, and do not enter any buildings surrounded by floodwaters. If you see any downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, stay away and notify the authorities. Floodwaters can be electrically charged, so take extreme caution.
If your home has been flooded, turn off the electricity at the main breaker box if you can do so without standing on a wet floor. Then, unplug all appliances and let them dry out for several days. Have a qualified technician check them before using them again. All outlets, switches, boxes, and wiring must be dried, cleaned, and tested by a qualified electrician. If your furnace was flooded, it must be inspected and may need to be reconditioned before use.
Remove all wet contents from your home immediately to prevent mold, and clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left by floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals, so wear appropriate protective gear during the cleanup process.
Take photos of all water damage and remove valuable possessions from your home until repairs are complete. Listen to news reports to learn if the water supply is safe, and be aware of evacuation orders and routes.
It is important to prepare for potential flooding in advance. Find out your flood risk, and if you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating important appliances like the water heater and electric panel. Purchase flood insurance and have an emergency kit ready.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electricity should be turned off at the main breaker box or fuse box to prevent accidents. However, do not attempt to turn off the power if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
If your electrical appliances have been in contact with water, it is recommended to have them checked by a qualified electrician or a professional before use. Some appliances may need to be repaired or replaced.
Here are some safety measures you can take:
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outlets to instantly cut off power in case of a problem.
- Elevate the water heater, electric panel, and furnace to keep them out of reach of floodwaters.
- Unplug and move electrical appliances to an area above the expected floodwater level.
Floodwaters can be energized, creating a risk of electric shock or even death. Additionally, electrical appliances that have been flooded may be contaminated and unsafe to use, even after drying and cleaning.
