Public Safety
Flooding - Electrical safety tips (08/05/02)
NB 621
May 2, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - For residents in flood-affected areas along the St. John River, the following electrical safety tips are issued by the Department of Public Safety.
If your power has been turned off by NB Power, you must contact your local electrical inspector before NB Power will turn on your electrical supply.
If your power has not been turned off by NB Power, and you are concerned there has been damage to electrical equipment, you can contact your local electrical inspector or an accredited electrical
contractor.
Electrical Tips
- Use extreme caution when returning home to a flood damaged area
- Stay clear of wires
- Do not assume that any part of a flooded electrical installation/appliance is safe.
- Disconnect power prior to inspecting electrical devices.
- Call a certified electrician for repairs to electrical appliances/installations to ensure your safety when you re-energize your electrical system.
- Do not energize any electrical equipment if it has been under water. These items may work and appear safe but once they have been under water, they could cause electrocution or fire.
To prevent a fire and electrical hazard, you may need to replace/repair the following:
- Light switches, thermostats, outlets, light fixtures, electric heaters, ceiling fans, etc.
- Furnace burner and blower motor, ignition transformer, elements, relay (oil furnace and oil hot water tank, electric furnace)
- Hot water tank (electric, oil, or propane)
- Electrical appliances, sump pump, water pumps and related equipment, washer, dryer, dehumidifier, vacuum, tools, exercise equipment; there may be many switches, motors, and transformers
that will be corroded
- Breakers, fuses, fuse holders
08/05/02
MEDIA CONTACT: New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, 506-453-2133 or 1-800-561-4034.
08/05/02