Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with post-flood electrical, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Floodwaters have receded or are receding and you need to safely assess home electrical systems.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
No power on in flooded home. Call utility. Electrician check before use.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Water still present around electrical outlets, appliances, or panel.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Burning smell, sparking, or buzzing from walls.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Downed power lines on property or in standing water.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Water conducts electricity. Flooded homes may have energized water, damaged wiring, and compromised panels.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Electrocution kills after floods when people return to salvage belongings too early.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stop at the door. Do not step into water inside the home.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call utility emergency line to disconnect service.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Assume all outlets and appliances in flooded areas are live until tested by electrician.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Photograph damage for insurance from outside if safe — do not enter for photos if water present.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not restore power yourself. Wait for utility and licensed electrician inspection.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call utility emergency number and 112 if active sparking or downed lines blocking escape.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Request licensed electrician inspection before reconnecting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Professional electrical inspection is mandatory before re-occupying flooded buildings.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT flip breakers while standing in water or on wet floor.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use wet vacuum on flooded floor near outlets.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT touch downed lines — report to utility from a distance.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If the power is off at the breaker, it is safe to enter floodwater in the house
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Main supply may still be live, breakers may be submerged, and backup generators can back-feed circuits.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Child drowning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child was found in water, is struggling in water, or was just pulled out and is not responding normally.
Boat capsize
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your boat has overturned or is sinking and people are in the water.
Dam breach warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You receive warning that a dam may fail, gates are opening, or a wall of water is coming downstream.
Flood rising water
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Water is rising around your home, road, or vehicle — from rain, river overflow, or urban flooding.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ventilate if gas smell — do not operate switches (spark risk).
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep children away from flooded property entirely.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gas leaks require utility shutoff — do not search for leak with open flame.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fatal electrocution stepping into apparently safe shallow water.