This content was featured in the March 2023 issue of Kansas Country Living.

It could be caused by heavy rains, rising river levels, or melt water—flooding. According to the Federal Emergency Disaster Agency (FEMA), floods are one of the most common hazards in the United Sates. Some floods happen very quickly and some slowly, but in either case they can pose electrical dangers for you and your family.

Erin Hollinshead, executive director of the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program says, “If flood waters have made it into your home, it is critical to be alert to electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water, as it can create a serious danger of electrocution.”

The prospect of an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you are dealing with flooding in your home, but it is the first thing you should think of before you step into a flooded area. Hollinshead adds, “If there is any danger the water could be energized, do not enter the area.”

Here are some additional suggestions from Safe Electricity to help keep you and your family safe during a flood:

• Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you cannot reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.
• Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when you are wet or when you are standing in water.
• Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if it is raining or the ground is wet.

In addition to the dangers flooding presents in a home, there are many others to consider during a flood, like:

• Never drive into flood waters because it is very difficult to tell by sight how deep floodwaters are. It only takes 6 inches of water for your car to lose control and stall. Your car could be swept out of control and into electrical dangers.”

• Also, do not enter flood waters on foot or in boat. Flood waters hold unknown dangers. The water could be energized or could sweep you into electrical equipment. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

• If you see downed power lines or damaged equipment, stay away, warn others to stay away, and notify the authorities.

If you are in a flood prone area, there are some steps you can take before flooding begins. One action you can take to be better prepared is to have a sump pump with a back-up battery in case the power goes out and an alarm to alert you of flooding. Additionally, you can elevate the water heater, electric panel, and furnace to keep them clear of potential flood waters.

Safe Electricity also recommends installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and indoor outlets in areas of the house that are prone to flooding such as the basement. GFCIs should also be installed in rooms with heavy water use such as the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen areas.

For more information on avoiding electrical hazards during a flood, visit SafeElectricity.org.