What to Do With Your Home's Electricity After a Flood
Flooding is a stressful time under any circumstances, but one of the most immediate concerns you may have relates to your electricity. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, and knowing what to do to protect your home from additional damage after a flood is critical. Here are four things you can do after a flood to keep yourself and your family safe, brought to you by the experts at Custom Electrical Services .
Ensure the Power is Off
In the event of a flood, the first place to start is to have the utility company, a licensed electrician, or the fire department turn off the electricity completely. Even if the damage is only in a specific part of your home (like the basement) or if your power has been cut off due to a storm, you still want to ensure it is safe to enter. A house nearby may have a generator, which can still send an electric current through your home. Wait until you know the electricity is off before taking any next steps.
Listen Carefully
As you enter your home, pay special attention to any buzzing sounds. Buzzing or humming sounds from the wires or walls near outlets can suggest that the wires still hold a charge and are dangerous. This is especially important if there is still any water in your home.
Look for Damage
The dirt and debris left behind after a flood can be as damaging as the water. Before you turn the electricity back on, take some time to inspect behind the cover plates of all your plugs. Entirely remove them from the wall and check for dirt or damage.
If you find anything that needs to be cleared away, do not spray any cleaner or water directly onto the wires or the panel. Instead, get a damp cloth and wipe the debris off. If you notice any corrosion on the wires from dirt or salt, or if wires or panels are particularly dirty, it is best to replace them instead of cleaning them. Corrosion can spread and lead to short-circuiting or fires starting in your home later.
Broken or exposed wires should be a;completely replaced. If you have aluminum wiring in your home that has been exposed to salt water, that should also be replaced by an expert.
Call in the Experts
If your home sustained minor damage due to flooding, you may be able to make some basic repairs yourself. Still, if your outlets were exposed to water, even briefly, it’s a good idea to call a licensed electrician for help. Unfortunately, water damage can seep deep into the walls and hide away problems difficult to see on your own.
Custom Electrical Services has licensed and certified electricians on hand to put your home back in working order as soon as possible after a flood. We can inspect and repair any damage and assist in any changes or upgrades you’d like to make, including moving your outlets or adding outlets with USB ports in them.
Flooding is stressful. Let Custom Electrical Services alleviate your stress and give you peace of mind. If you’ve had a flood, give Custom Electrical Services a call today to set up a free evaluation of your property.
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