Flood Waters and Electricity Do Not Mix - Do's and Dont's Before and After a Flood.

By Nick Markowitz Jr.
Fire Investigator
Member Emsworth VFD

Unfortunately flooding is inevitable. The horrific downpours in September, which flooded places that have never flooded before. Even as high on the hill as I am, I had 3 inches of water destroy stuff in my basement. What are some precautions one should use when in flooded conditions?

DO - turn off power to a structure if floodwaters are going to enter it. Especially if it has a low basement. This helps to prevent electrocutions, electrical fires, and other nasty business. Do not walk through a basement full of water. Turn off the power and call the utility company.

DO NOT - Pull the meter unless you have experience, proper safety equipment and have permission from local utility company.

DO NOT - Reenergize electrical wiring that has been submerged until an experienced electrician has looked at it to determine it is safe. They may have to cut off wires in areas that were submerged to prevent a fire. When reenergizing power immediately turn it back off if lights start blinking or any kind of buzzing or shriveling or other type noises are heard and have it investigated.

DO - Replace breakers that have been submerged. There is now a chance the breakers will internally corrode and not operate properly if there is an overload. It is ok to use them while you are cleaning up and on site and can keep an eye out for trouble, but turn them back off when you are done at the end of the day and make sure power is off. The breaker handle could be off but breaker could still be sending out power if internal failure has happened . . . I have heard of people putting breakers in oven or otherwise trying to dry them out. This is only a temporary fix and they should not be trusted. Most modern breaker panels can be washed out and thoroughly dried and are reusable if they show no signs or corrosion or deterioration, but older boxes pre 70s and fuse boxes should be replaced. Fuse boxes have a cardboard type liner in the fuse sockets which will deteriorate after water hits it and fuses would fail to operate because the liner keeps the metal contacts from making with each other.

DO - Move the electrical service to first floor if you are in a flood prone area and service box is in the basement. Consider moving it up to first floor when you replace it also consider putting in a meter socket which has a disconnect attached so power can be safely turned off from outside without having to enter a flooded house.

DO - Consider installing wiring in basements and other areas that get submerged in either UF –Underground Feeder wire that is designed for outdoor use and will not allow water to permeate it or metal or plastic conduit that allows wire to easily be pulled out and replaced along with the receptacles and switches etc.

DO - Replace all wiring receptacles, switches, and light fixtures that have been submerged. There is no satisfactory way to properly clean and trust them. Table lamps can be cleaned and rewired along with some types of chandeliers and other lights when done so safely. Also consider installing GFCI protection on these circuits as a safeguard, in case unseen damage has occurred to a line that is believed to be safe

DO - Have major appliances checked by professionals to determine if they can be repaired, some can some cannot. Usually when properly done washers and dryers and even furnaces can be saved, but not refrigerators. Even electronic boards can sometimes be saved by cleaning them down with special compounds. Electric motors can also be saved when done so properly. Of course one has to judge cost of repair against new when doing so

DO NOT - Reuse refrigerators and freezers, which have been submerged even with complete cleaning. The internal insulation can stay wet and be contaminated which can spread to food being stored. If water only came up a couple of inches and did not get into the food compartment the refrigerator should be fine to use once it has been properly cleaned and checked by a professional.

DO - While cleaning up and using power tools lights etc use portable GFCI protectors to protect all personnel from electrical shock. Use only outdoor rated electrical extension cords that are properly sized for load and have no splices or insulation cuts that have been taped. Use electrical tape around connection points that may come into contact with water or use watertight twist lock cords that keep water out. And avoid contact with water if possible. Wipe down and disinfect all cords etc after use to prevent the spread of contamination.

DO - Turn off power when changing extension cord connections if you are in or near water

DO NOT – Operate pumps, fans, and other devices while cleaning up which are not in good operation and condition.

I could go on and on with this subject having helped many people over the years, but the best word of advice is to use common sense. People get hurt when they use old cords and equipment and other bad practices. You may think you're helping someone when you turn their power back on but you could be causing bigger problems. Think it through then act.

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