Floods and Your Home Electric System
We are quickly coming up on the wettest months of the year all along the East Coast. Winter and spring flooding are not uncommon and while it is not possible to stop Mother Nature, we can be proactive in our response. What follows are a list of measures to take before the water hits to ensure the greatest amount of safety and experience the least amount of damage.
• Make sure your gutters, downspouts and drains are clear. Keeping these areas unobstructed will allow the water to move away from the home’s structure as quickly as possible.
• Move as much of your goods and furnishings as possible from the lower floors to the upper parts of your home, such as to a second story or attic. Store materials in waterproof containers. This should include valuables, clothing, and small electronics.
• Create a record of your home goods, including the receipts and pictures of those items that may be very costly to replace. Make sure this information is tucked away in a dry, safe place and easily accessible.
• Turn off all utilities in advance of a flood. Your water, gas and electricity are all subject to creating potential hazards for homeowners and rescue personnel who may venture into the area. While it may be inconvenient to go without these utilities in the short-run, turning them off may save lives in the end. In response, be sure to have plenty of bottled water, flashlights and other non-battery-operated sources of light available. Today there are many options for staying out of the dark.
• Elevate your appliances on cement blocks to keep them off the floors. Contact your utilities expert if you need assistance. Do not unhook your appliances without the oversight of an expert. Wrap your air conditioner completely in plastic as well and be sure it is in the off position.
• Open the windows of the house on the lower levels. If there is flooding they will not be able to keep the water out and will only be subject to breaking. In this way you may not have to replace the windows after a flood event.
Again, no one is claiming a flood is on the horizon but it’s always better to be prepared. If you are looking for professional electrical support in case of a natural disaster, contact the experts at J.M. Mullen Electrical Services. It is our pleasure to serve you.
