For Release: September 6, 2011

Contact: Kyla Kruse, 217-546-6815

Floods Have Hidden Electrical Dangers

Safe Electricity offers safety tips

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – The United States keeps an eye on Hurricane Katia as, at the very least, she could bring more rain to already flooded areas along the East Coast and in the South. Currently 20 states are experiencing flooding conditions. Make sure you know about potential electrical hazards during flooding to keep yourself and your family safe.

Safe Electricity reminds everyone to look out for electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water. Cleaning up and using water-damaged appliances also carry safety risks.

“While an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you’re dealing with a flooded basement, room, or even outdoors,” said Molly Hall, executive director of Safe Electricity. “It is the first thing you should think of before you step foot in the water.”

Safe Electricity offers these tips to help you and your family stay safe:

• Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
• Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t 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’re wet or when you’re standing in water.
• Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if it’s raining or the ground is wet.
• If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used. It may need to be repaired or replaced.

For more tips on electrical safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within the University of Illinois Extension, and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at www.EnergyEdCouncil.org.