Homeowners don’t often think of electrical safety when caught in the eye of a rainstorm, but prioritizing it can help you avoid hazardous situations. With the rising risk of flooding in Cleveland, preparing your home and discussing flood electrical safety measures with your family can be the difference between safety and disaster.
Here, Clover Electric explains how electrical safety can help protect your property, family, and peace of mind during flood events.
How Significant Are the Dangers of Flooding?
With its proximity to Lake Erie and many rivers, the Cleveland area faces the threat of flooding when heavy rains and storms roll in. Floodwater can easily overwhelm homes, businesses, and roadways, leading to structural damage. It can also increase the risk of electrical hazards when water encounters power lines and electrical systems.
Preparing for Flood Events
You can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of electrical hazards during floods. Flood preparation for electrical systems includes:
- Installing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets: These outlets have built-in circuit breakers that automatically trip if there’s a grounding issue, cutting off the flow of electricity and reducing the risk of electrocution.
- Turning off power before flooding: If you know flooding is imminent, turn off the power supply in your home while conditions are still dry. Find your electrical panel and systematically switch off each circuit breaker, starting with the main circuit breaker.
- Prioritizing safety first: If your breaker box is outdoors or in a flood-prone basement, refrain from attempting to switch off the power yourself. Instead, contact your utility company and request that they disconnect the power at the meter to prevent potential risks.
Safety Measures During Floods
If your home has begun to flood, following these safety measures can help protect your life and property:
- Avoid handling electrical devices in water: Never touch electrical devices or appliances while standing in water. If you need to unplug something, ensure your hands are dry before doing so.
- Avoid contact with wet electrical items: Refrain from touching any electrical items that have been exposed to water, as they may still carry a charge.
- Stay clear of flooded areas with electrical outlets: Do not enter spaces where water levels have risen above electrical outlets, as this indicates a heightened risk of electrical shock.
- Exercise caution in submerged areas: Be cautious in areas where wiring might be submerged, such as basements or outdoor spaces prone to flooding.
Common Flood & Electrical Safety FAQs
How can water damage electrical systems during a flood?
Water damage during a flood can corrode electrical wiring and components, leading to short circuits and potential fires. It can also cause electrical systems to malfunction or fail, posing risks of electrocution and property damage.
What are the main electrical hazards associated with floods?
During a flood, the risk of electric shock from contact with live wires or appliances submerged in water increases. This includes the potential for electrical fires due to short circuits or overheating caused by water exposure.
Are there any signs of electrical damage I should look for after a flood?
Look for discolored or charred outlets, sparking or buzzing sounds from electrical fixtures, and the smell of burning insulation. Before using any appliances or devices that have been submerged in water, have a qualified electrician thoroughly inspect them.
How can I prevent electrical fires and shocks when restoring power after a flood?
If your home was flooded during a storm, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional electrician to restore power. They can assess and repair any flood-damaged electrical systems and avoid overloading circuits when reconnecting power to your home.
Schedule Electrical Services
If you live in a flood-prone area, electrical safety should be at the top of your priority list. At Clover Electric, we provide electrical services to protect your home before, during, and after storms. We offer post-flood electrical inspections and can help develop a flood emergency plan for electrical safety before disaster strikes.
From installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and rewiring to elevating electrical outlets and repairing electrical panels, Clover Electric ensures your home is ready to withstand flooding challenges in Cleveland, Ohio.
Protect your home, family, and electrical system with help from Clover Electric. Schedule electrical services in Cleveland, OH, by calling us today.
