Flooding and Electrical Safety
August 2, 2024

Stay Safe: Remember that electricity can move through water or wet flooring and result in electrical shock.
If you’re being evacuated ahead of or during a flood:
- Never enter your basement if there’s a chance water has come in contact with any source of electricity – including electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, an electrical panel, or extension cords.
- Never try to use or move any electrical devices that have come in contact with flood water.
- Never touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, while standing on a wet floor or touching a wet wall.
- If the area is dry, you can switch off your breaker and move electrical appliances out of your home or to an area above the expected level of flood water.
- If the area is already flooded, damp, or if you’re unsure, consult a professional and call an electrician to disconnect your power.
- Watch for downed powerlines. If you see any, remember to stay back 10 metres and call your local electric utility to report it.
Returning home after a flood:
- Remember that electrical hazards may still exist, even after flood waters have receded.
- To keep yourself and your family safe, call an electrician to help you determine when it’s safe to reconnect power to your home.