Flood waters often conceal hazards that are not immediately obvious—and some of them can be deadly. Most people are already aware that water and electricity don't mix. Rising water can increase your exposure to other kinds of hazards, too. Here are some flood safety tips to help keep you safe:
If you notice water rising outside of your home, or you are planning to evacuate your home:
- Unplug all of your electrical appliances.
- Shut off the natural gas supply valve to any gas appliances.
- If you plan to move natural gas appliances, the open end of the gas pipe must be capped or plugged to prevent the back flow of floodwater into the gas piping system.
- Establish a backup power or temporary relocation plan if someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered medical equipment.
If your home is flooding:
- Remember that pools of water may become electrically charged. Appliances in standing water may also become charged, so do not touch them after they have become surrounded by water.
- If you can do so safely, turn off air conditioners or major appliances that may have been running when the outage occurred. This will help avoid a sudden surge of power when electric service is restored. Stay away from the breaker box in a flooded basement.
- If you smell gas, call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG), or 911.
If you must leave your home during a flood:
- Remember that all downed power lines are dangerous and should be avoided. Stay at least 30 feet away from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well. To report downed wires, log in to My Account, or call 1-800-436-7734 or 911 immediately.
- In the event that an electric line or wire comes down on your vehicle, stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives to safely remove you from the vehicle.
After flood waters recede:
- If the natural gas was shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on yourself. Call PSE&G at 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG).
- Have your home and appliances inspected and make repairs before calling PSE&G to restore you service. Appliances, boilers, and water heaters exposed to water can be hazardous.
- Overheated boilers are extremely hazardous. Evacuate your home immediately if you suspect one. Signs of an overheated boiler include: boiler will not turn off, leaking steam, rumbling noise, burning smell, red glow, high pressure, or high/overheated temperature.
For more flood safety tips, click here.
