Flood
Victims: Beware Electrical Dangers
(NAPS)-In the aftermath
of hurricanes and floods, you may not be focused on electrical safety. Yet,
you should be aware of the potential dangers when water comes in contact with
electricity, notes the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
"As families
begin to clean up following a flood, there may be electrical hazards still hidden
throughout the home," says Michael G. Clendenin, executive director of
the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). A flood can cause tragic
losses to families, but to protect against further dangers, ESFI has some important
safety advice:
- Take care when stepping into a flooded basement;
be aware that submerged outlets or electrical cords may be energizing the
water, a potential lethal trap.
- Do not use electrical appliances that have
been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such
as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
- If electrical appliances have been under water,
have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Do
not turn on damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can
become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard, or overheat and cause a
fire.
- Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance,
have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is
safe to use.
- Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs
require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to
$30.
- Electrical items such as circuit breakers,
fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water
and silt get inside. Discard them when they have been submerged.
- When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure
washer be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric
shock. Do not allow power cord connections to become wet.
- Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the
three-prong plug.
For more information, send a 60¢ stamped, self-addressed No. 10 (business size) envelope to Electrical Safety Foundation International, 1300 North 17th Street, #1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209.