Keep your family and friends safe by following these quick and easy steps after the hurricane has made landfall.
Immediately after the storm:
- Watch for downed power lines outside your home. Keep your utility companies’ phone lines open by only calling to report an emergency such as a downed power line.
- Contact your insurance companies to determine the extent of coverage and what records, photos or examples are needed.
- Never connect a portable generator directly to your home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet. Always use proper electrical cords; make sure your generator is properly grounded. Carefully read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions, and always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. Never operate a generator indoors to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. ESFI strongly encourages residents to have a qualified licensed electrician install the portable generator.
- Make sure that the electricity is turned off before attempting any minor repairs yourself. Contact a qualified, licensed electrician for larger and any other type of work that you are not comfortable with.
If your home has been flooded, follow these guidelines as well:
- Use battery-powered flashlights when examining homes or buldings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and easiest power source when water is around.
- Pay close attention to potential fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Fire is the most frequent hazard following floods.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Replacing equipment and wiring damaged by flooding is always the best option as these devices can fail prematurely causing fire or shock hazards
- A working knowledge of electrical systems and the equipment in question is needed to evaluate damage due to contact with water. The original manufacturer of the equipment should be contacted if questions arise or recommendations are needed. In many cases following water damage, replacement may be necessary. After consultation with the manufacturer, some larger types of electrical equipment may be reconditioned by properly trained personnel.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advisory on flood and other disaster victims regarding safe use of portable generators. Click HERE to view release.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) publication, Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment, provides specific guidance on whether products that have been exposed to water should be replaced or reconditioned. Click HERE for a complimentary copy.
