Flooded Home? Electrical Safety Comes First

Flooding can happen fast — heavy rain, burst pipes, sump pump failure, or storms. While water damage is stressful, electrical safety must be your top priority. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and one wrong move can cause serious injury or fire.

Here’s exactly what homeowners should do — and what NOT to do — if water enters your home.

🚨 Step 1: Do NOT Touch Electrical Equipment

If there is standing water:

• Do not touch outlets, switches, appliances, or extension cords
• Do not walk into flooded areas where outlets or cords may be submerged

⚠️ Even shallow water can conduct electricity and cause severe shock.

🔌 Step 2: Shut Off Power (Only If It’s Safe)

If you can safely reach your electrical panel without stepping in water:

• Turn off the main breaker
• If the panel is wet or hard to access, do not attempt this

👉 Call a licensed electrician or emergency services instead.

💡 Step 3: Avoid Using Any Electrical Devices

After flooding:

• Do not use lights, outlets, or appliances in affected areas
• Do not plug in fans or heaters to dry the space

Electrical components may look fine but could be internally damaged.

🧯 Step 4: Watch for Warning Signs

After water exposure, be alert for:

• Burning smells
• Buzzing sounds
• Flickering lights
• Tripping breakers

These are signs of damaged wiring and require immediate professional inspection.

🧰 Step 5: Call a Licensed Electrician

Floodwater can damage:

• Wiring inside walls
• Outlets and switches
• Breaker panels
• Appliances and subpanels

A licensed electrician will:

• Inspect all affected circuits
• Replace unsafe components
• Verify grounding and GFCI protection
• Ensure the system is safe before restoring power

⚡ Never assume drying is enough — electrical damage isn’t always visible.

❌ What NOT to Do After a Flood

• ❌ Do not reset breakers repeatedly
• ❌ Do not reuse extension cords
• ❌ Do not ignore “small” electrical issues
• ❌ Do not attempt DIY electrical repairs

These mistakes often lead to fires days or weeks later.

🏠 Preventing Future Flood-Related Electrical Damage

Protect your home by:

• Installing GFCI outlets in basements and utility areas
• Elevating outlets and panels where possible
• Ensuring sump pumps are on dedicated circuits
• Scheduling regular electrical inspections

✅ Your Safety Comes First

Flood damage is overwhelming — but rushing electrical decisions can make it worse.

At E&A Electric LLC, we provide:

• Flood damage electrical inspections
• Safe power restoration
• Panel and outlet replacement
• Code-compliant repairs

📞 Call us before turning power back on — your safety depends on it.