Floods and Electrical Safety

Before a flood

• Find the electrical main power switch in your home. Understand how to safely shut it off should that be required if your area is going to experience flooding.
• Move any electrical devices to a place that is out of the path of a potential flood.
• Turn off electrical devices and unplug them from the wall.

During a flood

• Electricity and water are a dangerous mix. If your area begins flooding, evacuate immediately. If you see water entering your building, do not attempt to shut off the main power switch in your home. 
• Avoid electrical lines when evacuating and do not go into basements or low-lying structures where electricity may be present.

After a flood

• Threats to you and your health can still exist once flooding has ceased. Do not enter your home until local authorities have declared it safe to do so.
• Ensure a qualified electrician has inspected your home before attempting to return power to any of your electrical devices.