With parts of the UK preparing for a third storm in quick succession, Electrical Safety First is offering advice to those affected by flooding that looks set to continue in the coming days. While it is understandable that flood-hit residents will want to go straight back into their homes as soon as possible, the Charity is urging caution before doing so. Damaged electrics in the home can be extremely dangerous and potential risks should be taken into account when a flooded home is re-entered.
Dagenham and Rainham has not received any flood warnings as of yet but has done with past storms. This information is important to remember for the future, and to pass on to anyone residents may know to be living in a flood risk area.
Electrical Safety First is calling on flood victims to follow a number of immediate steps including switching off the electricity at the fuse box, unplugging damaged electrical appliances and avoiding any exposed wiring. Afterwards, residents should use a registered electrician to assess the condition and damage to electrical wiring, equipment and appliances that have been affected by the flood.
Consumers can get more information on how to stay electrically safe after a flood on Electrical Safety First's website: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-thehome/flooding-advice/
Dos and Don'ts of electrical safety after a flood
Do
- Make sure the property is safe before you enter.
- Try to avoid direct contact with any water which remains. It may be contaminated.
- Have a torch at hand when entering the property.
- Switch off the electricity supply at the fuse box, if it is safe to do so. If there is evidence of water inside the fuse box or if there are signs of arcing or overheating, seek professional advice.
- Unplug damaged electrical appliances and move all portable ones away from the area affected by flooding.
- Arrange for other services, such as gas, to be switched off. Electricity and gas supplies should not be turned back on until you have had professional advice that it is safe to do so.
Don't
- Use candles to guide you when entering the property.
- Use any mains powered electrical appliances in areas affected by flooding until advised by a registered electrician that it is safe to do so.
- Go near any exposed wiring. It may still be live.
- Start to clean up or carry out repairs until you are sure it is safe to do so.