According to the Federal Emergency Disaster Agency (FEMA), floods are one of the most common hazards in the United Sates. The prospect of an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you are dealing with flooding in your home, but it is the first thing you should think of before you step into a flooded area. If there is any danger the water could be energized because of contact with electrical equipment, do not enter the area. You could be in serious danger of electrocution.

When Floods are Forecast

It is also important to keep informed on weather conditions and be aware of the different types of alerts, including:

Flood watch - This means that conditions are likely for flooding. Be alert!

Flood warning - This means flooding will soon occur or is already occurring. Move to higher ground immediately.

Here are some additional suggestions from Safe Electricity to help keep you and your family safe during a flood:

• Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you cannot reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.
• Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when you are wet or when you are standing in water.
• Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if it is raining or the ground is wet.
• Never drive into flood waters because it is very difficult to tell by sight how deep floodwaters are. It only takes 6 inches of water for your car to lose control and stall. Your car could be swept out of control and into electrical dangers.”
• Also, do not enter flood waters on foot or in boat. Flood waters hold unknown dangers. The water could be energized or could sweep you into electrical equipment. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• If you see downed power lines or damaged equipment, stay away, warn others to stay away, and notify the authorities.

If you are in a flood prone area, one action you can take to be better prepared is to have a sump pump with a back-up battery in case the power goes out and an alarm to alert you of flooding. Additionally, you can elevate the water heater, electric panel, and furnace to keep them clear of potential flood waters.

Safe Electricity also recommends installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and indoor outlets in areas of the house that are prone to flooding such as the basement. GFCIs should also be installed in rooms with heavy water use such as the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen.

For more information on avoiding electrical hazards, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Natural gas safety

If you smell natural gas or suspect a natural gas leak, evacuate the area immediately. Call 911 and if JCE is your gas provider call 800-858-5522 from a phone outside of the building. Don't light a match, use any electrical appliances, turn on or off lights or use the phone as they may produce sparks.

When calling, give a phone number where you can be reached. When the gas technician arrives, he will need access to your home to conduct a leak investigation. If you are not available, the technician will lock off your service and conduct an outside leak investigation. You will need to meet with the technician before your service is reactivated. Do not go back to your home or business unless you are told it is safe to do so.

During cleanup after storms and floods, be aware of your surroundings. Be careful around natural gas meters and pipelines. If water levels were high enough to cover the meter, call us to check your meter before using your appliances.

If gas was shut off at the meter, it can only be turned back on by JCE.

Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or electrical outlets below the water line may pose a hazard.

Floodwater can cause structural damage to buildings and appliances. Gas appliances that have been subject to flooding or other damage must not be reactivated or reconnected to the natural gas supply until someone, such as a licensed plumber, HVAC technician, gasfitter or certified appliance repair person has inspected the appliance.

Appliance control manufacturers recommend that a trained service professional replace all controls that have been submerged in water. Manufacturers warn that these appliance controls will corrode over times, causing gas valve failure and dangerous natural gas leaks. Appliance controls are often at the bottom of the appliance and the appliance itself does not have to be submerged for appliance controls to be submerged. If water has reached the appliance controls, follow these manufacturer safety guidelines.

Remember to never store flammable materials near any gas appliance or equipment.