The storm has passed, but if your home has suffered damage the work is just beginning. As much as we can prepare for hurricane season, it’s impossible to predict all the potential problems that can occur. That’s why it’s essential for you and your family’s safety to check your electrical system.

Here are some tips

  • Treat fallen power lines and poles as if they are energized and dangerous. Never touch them and maintain a safe distance. Make sure to call your local utility company.
  • After power is restored, be sure to wait five-to-ten minutes before powering on appliances and AC systems.
  • Keep electrical tools away from wet surfaces by at least 10 feet. We know you’ll want to spruce up after the storm – but try to refrain from using electric equipment if your yard is still wet.
  • NEVER step into a flooded room with electrical appliances or wiring, especially if the water line has risen above outlets, baseboard heaters/furnaces, power cords or electrical panels. Make sure the power has been turned off before stepping into a flooded room. *Contact your utility company, fire department or a Mister Sparky electrician to make sure the electricity is truly disconnected.
  • Do NOT touch any electrical system or device with wet hands or while standing in water. Water is a powerful conductor! Even if the power is out you can still get electrocuted if someone is operating a generator nearby or back-feeding electricity into a flooded grid.
  • Post-storm debris can hide power lines that have fallen. Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can electrocute any item they contact electrically conductive materials such as metal fencing, a pond or standing water. Even the ground can be electrically energized near fallen power lines.
  • If your electricity is out, make sure to check with neighbors to see if they have power. If they do have power, you may have only a blown fuse or a tripped breaker. Never replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet (or damp) surface.
  • Replenish your supply of batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food items for future hurricanes.

Don’t let down your guard just because the storm has run its course. Be sure to tackle water and storm damage head on before it leads to major, dangerous problems down the road.

Contact an experienced Mister Sparky professional to walk you through post hurricane electrical care.