Water and Electricity Safety After Flood Damage in Your Durham Home

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with flooding in your home can certainly be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for the expertise and equipment to tackle the remediation task.

SERVPRO Works Safely in Storm Affected Properties

We usually think about floods regarding tropical storms or being near big rivers and surges. However, you may not necessarily be safe in Durham. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and they can occur in several different ways, including heavy rains. When floodwaters enter your home, they have the potential to do a great deal of damage to your belongings and structure.

Flood damage in your Durham home needs to be taken care of as soon as possible by professional remediation specialists. Contacting us at SERVPRO is the smart thing to do, as we can arrive quickly at your home with the right equipment and the knowledge needed to do the job thoroughly and correctly.

Various hazards can present themselves in a flood damage emergency, which includes electrical ones. Water conducts electricity, so mixing the two can be disastrous. Electrical hazards can potentially be anywhere on the job site, as floods can cause water to enter the wiring system.

 The first thing SERVPRO staff checks is the power distribution box. We turn off all circuit breakers. If only part of your home is affected, we turn the circuits off for the areas which are damaged. If water is inside wall cavities or electrical outlets, this step is especially important. We may even need to have a licensed electrician to do an inspection.

Sometimes we may need to turn off the power source where it enters your home. The power can be turned off at a meter found outside. Turning off the source of power at a meter could require assistance from the local power provider or utility company. We use a generator if the electrical system is considered unsafe at this point and no other form of power is available.

In a wet environment, using electrical equipment to clean up the mess requires using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. We always ensure the ground plugs are unbroken and cords have no cuts, frays, or nicks.

SERVPRO of North Durham wants to ensure that our staff and your family are safe during the remediation process, which is why we follow these safety precautions when it comes to electricity and water. If you reside in the areas of Bahama, Orange Factory, or Gorman and experience a flood emergency, you can rest assured in knowing this when you call us at (919) 467-0880 for help.