Everybody’s in a hurry to get things back to normal after a disaster and when it comes to electrical safety, it pays to step back first and evaluate things before you get started with the clean-up. Stay calm and don’t be in such a rush to fix your wiring devices from the Philippines because they could be damaged. If your house has been severely damaged by floodwaters, here are some pointers to help keep you safe.
Don’t Hurry to Go Into the Flooded Area of Your House
Never enter a flood-damaged or water filled basement, living room or kitchen not unless the utility company, fire department or an electrician has removed the home’s electrical meter from its socket. Make sure the property is safe before you enter and try to avoid direct contact with any remaining water. Do not attempt any electrical repair or connect a temporary electricity supply; instead contact a technician or electrician for this matter. You can’t count on a storm-damaged circuit breaker or a disconnected switch to protect you. The only safe way is to remove the meter so better leave it to the professionals. All of the portable appliances affected will need to be tested out to make sure they’re safe for your usage. If you want to rewire, it is best advised to ask a registered electrician about the possibility of raising the height of the newly installed electrical equipment, including the fuse box and sockets, to above any future expected flood level.
Pay Attention to Grounding and Bonding
You definitely need to pay increased attention to grounding and bonding. Ask an electrician to conduct a thorough survey of your electrical system. Remember, there are two aspects of every home’s electrical system: the parts designed to carry electrical current during standard operation, and the home’s grounding and bonding system designed to carry current safely to ground should anything go wrong. Only a licensed electrician has the power to evaluate your electrical system should any damage occur. Metal components, like submerged electrical boxes, may rust and prevent an adequate connection to the home’s grounding system. All the metal components of a home’s electrical system should be carefully replaced if needed.
Be Alert and Mindful When You Begin Recovery Efforts
Once you’ve contacted the necessary professionals to check your place, keep in mind to be wary of your electrical wiring and equipment because these are certainly ruined. Only a few things in the house are rated to survive submersion; some can function but for a brief time only. Most of your properties and equipment will definitely need replacements such as equipment like armored cables, circuit breakers, fuse boxes, outlet receptacles, and furnaces. Don’t feel down because some appliances can be salvaged and you can always talk to the manufacturers if they can be replaced or fixed—that’s why you have to remember to keep those warranty receipts for moments like this. The worst thing that you can do is to live a post-flood life with all of your electrical supplies damaged and still ignorantly use them. This can be very risky and dangerous as it can cause a fire or your accidental electrocution.
It’s necessary to keep in mind all of the aforementioned because your safety is at risk. Even if you are in such a hurry to salvage all flooded appliances or electronics, keep in mind that your number one priority is you and your family’s safety.