How to handle flooding

Electricity and water is a potentially dangerous combination. Here’s what to do in the event of flooding:

 

When a flood warning is issued

• remove or relocate all portable appliances and electrical pump motors to an area well above the estimated flood height
• check that you have a reliable torch or lantern handy and know the location of your meter box and main switch
• switch off electricity to non-essential circuits before they are submerged in rising flood-waters

 

In the event of evacuation

• switch off all your appliances and the electricity supply at the mains, or by removing switch fuses at the main switchboard or meter box. This should be done even if Integral Energy has already advised that power has been cut off in your area

 

Movement through flooded areas

• treat all power lines as 'alive' and dangerous so keep clear of them
• avoid contact with wires that are hanging low or on the ground, dangling in flood-waters or tangled in trees
• do not drive across fallen power lines
• if power lines have fallen across, or become entangled in your vehicle, unless in immediate danger, remain inside your vehicle and call for help
• if in immediate danger (the wires are 'crackling' or moving), open your door and jump well clear. Keep your hands off the vehicle and your feet together, then continue jumping with your feet together until at least 10 metres away from the vehicle and the conductor
• when travelling by boat through flood-waters, keep a good distance from power lines and poles
• if your boat is wooden or fibreglass, do not touch the water or metallic parts of the motor when near wires or poles

 

After the flood

• when you return to your home or workplace after a flood, do not use any electrical appliances which were flooded, and don't handle any wet electrical equipment
• do not try to replace circuit fuses, or switch power on to wiring or equipment which has been flooded, until the electrical installation is thoroughly dry and has been checked by a licensed electrical contractor
• for your safety, Integral Energy Installation Inspectors will inspect your main switchboard and meters, if they were flooded, before power is restored