This winter was warmer than normal because of El Niño. El Niño is a weather phenomenon that happens when warm water shifts from the Pacific Ocean to the coast of South America, creating tropical storms moving eastward. All the warm, moist air due to evaporation from oceans in warm areas causes the thunderstorms, and then those storms eventually move into the United States where they bring warm temperatures and lots of rain.

This spring you may be at risk for flooding, depending on where you live in the United States. Flooding is extremely dangerous and should be taken seriously. Flooding causes risk for vehicle malfunction, catching diseases, drowning, electrical shock and more!

As your most trusted NWA electrician, we’re going to discuss what you can do to protect yourself from electrical hazards before, during, and after a flood.

Before Flooding:

• Organize and mark each area of your business or home to the corresponding electric panel circuit breakers switches or fuses.
• Remove all appliances from their power source, but DO NOT do this if you have to stand in water while you’re unplugging the appliances.
• For people using generators, refrain from connecting the generator to the home electric system. It is best to only connect appliances, electronics, etc. you want to power on to the generator’s outlets.
• When water is rising and is expected to make contact with your home, power off the home’s main electric panel or breaker box.

During Flooding:

• Avoid spaces in your home where water has submerged any electrical cords that are plugged in or wall outlets.
• If you hear buzzing or popping inside of a room, DO NOT go inside. Also, if you see sparks, avoid the area.
• Call your electric company if you see downed power lines and stay away from them. Downed tree limbs are also dangerous since they can conduct electricity
• Steer clear from electrical boxes or panels on the ground level.
• Turn your electric panel off before going into a flooded basement or building. Don’t risk going into these spaces if you aren’t certain the electricity is off. Instead, call your power company.

After Flood Waters Are Gone:

• Call Mister Sparky® of Northwest Arkansas to assess the safety of your electrical panel if the panel was covered by water at some point. If you know your electrical panel was fortunate enough to stay dry, still call for a home electrical inspection – just for safety measures.
• If your furnace floods, please call a certified HVAC technician to come out and inspect it for damages.
Stay safe and refer back to this blog if you have any questions about electrical hazards during flooding. Mister Sparky® of Northwest Arkansas’s number one concern is our customers’ safety and satisfaction. Call us today at  (479) 316-0864 if you have any electrical problems, questions or concerns! We’re here and ready to help.

Mister Sparky® of Northwest Arkansas, America’s On-Time Electrician in Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville services the Northwest Arkansas area with a team of licensed electricians. In addition to flickering lights, some of the electrician services provided by the company include electrical outlet/switch repair, ceiling fan installation, lighting installation, electrical wiring repair, landscape lighting installation, and home electrical inspections.