Flooded Basement: Electricity and Water

WWYD Wednesday

The basement is flooding and the power is still on. Someone says, “I’ll just wade over and shut off the breaker.”

WWYD: enter the water, try reaching the panel with an object, or stay out and call for help? What makes your choice safer?

Fact Check Friday

Shallow floodwater is not safe water. Stay out if electrical equipment is wet or you would have to stand in water to reach it.

Turn off power only if you can safely reach the main breaker from a dry location. Otherwise, keep people and pets away and contact your utility company or a qualified electrician.

Before a storm, locate the main shutoff, keep flashlights accessible, and make sure everyone knows: water plus electricity means keep out.