What are the most important electrical safety tips to remember after a flood?
- Avoid entering flooded rooms.
- Don’t use electrical appliances that were submerged in water.
- Ask an expert to survey your electrical system.
- Replace severely damaged electrical components.
At this point, storms and hurricanes have pretty much become two of the most common natural disasters that could occur in the world. Some are stronger than others, but you can guarantee that all of them have are fully capable to cause floods. In fact, heavy rainfall is enough to drown areas in knee-deep or waist-deep floods. Aside from the health hazards that these floods pose, your electrical supplier in Metro Manila will tell you that there are also electrical hazards you should be wary of.
Most of us know of the threats that come with intense flooding so we try our best to prevent them before the rain even starts to fall. We prioritize prevention over anything else as that is what we were taught. We also know how to handle ourselves during times of disasters, but most of us are lost on the idea of post-disaster hazards and safety.
A lot of things get damaged in floods and your electrical system is no exception. Improper handling of electrical parts and components after a flood can lead to injuries and fatalities, so make sure to follow these electrical safety tips for your own benefit!
Avoid Entering Flooded Rooms
Once the rain stops pouring, it can be tempting to enter a flooded room or area in your house in order to start cleaning up, but we strongly advise against this. There are many dangers in doing this and you never know what will happen.
Without a clear view of your surroundings due to the thick and deep flood water, you could step on some dangerous things such as exposed wires. There’s also the possibility of tripping over plugs and cords, which will very likely cause accidents.
Instead of braving the flood, wait for it to subside. It may take a few hours or days depending on your drainage system, but waiting is a better option than getting injured.
Don’t Use Electrical Appliances That Were Submerged in Water
Do not immediately plug in your electrical appliances or any other electrical devices in order to check their condition after the flood has subsided. Just because the water has been drained doesn’t mean that they’re safe to use. It is, in fact, the entire opposite.
Chances are high that the appliances, devices, and things that were submerged in water are completely ruined. The only time you’re allowed to plug them in and test them out is after they’ve been inspected and evaluated by an expert.
Additionally, stay away from any electrical devices, cords or outlets that were drenched or submerged in water to keep yourself safe. These can carry currents that are strong enough to inflict severe damage.
Ask an Expert to Survey Your Electrical System
The first thing you have to do after the rain has stopped and the flood has subsided is to call an expert to survey your home’s entire electrical system. You can call your local electrical company, an electrical supplier in Metro Manila, and practically anyone who has the right personnel to do it.
They should be able to evaluate the extent of damage that your electrical system and grounding and bonding system (if you have one) sustained due to the flood. After which, allow them to individually inspect plugs, cords, and wires, and mark those that are safe for use. Only after you’ve asked an expert to do this can you move on and return to your normal life.
Replace Severely Damaged Electrical Components
After you’ve had a licensed electrician check your electrical system for damage, the only thing you have to do is heed whatever advice he/she is going to give. If they say that it’s safe to use your plugs and wirings, then you’re free to use them without any worries.
However, if they deem something broken and beyond repair, then have it replaced. As said earlier, appliances and devices submerged in water are unlikely to survive floods without any sort of damage, so it is more likely that you’ll have something repaired or replaced after a flood.
It may be hard on your pockets, but it is the smarter decision as it keeps you safe from any electrical hazards. Besides, even if they do survive a flood, their lives will be short-lived and you will have to replace them in the very near future anyway.
Key Takeaway
Electrical hazards don’t go away after the rain stops pouring or the flood subsides. You are in constant danger until after you’ve had your electrical systems and appliances inspected and cleared for use. The only way to do this is to call your electrical company or electrical supplier and have them send a licensed technician to have a look at your home. Prior to an expert inspection, do your best to stay away from flooded rooms and avoid plugging in your appliances and systems. These guidelines should help keep you safe and bring regular electrical function back to your home after a flood!