Water Damage and Electrical Wiring

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid Electrical Shock

The Dangers of Water-Damage and Electrical Wiring

Returning home after water damage has affected your home can be very devastating and stressful event.  While your instincts tell you to start cleaning and removing items the most important and first step should be safety.  Knowing what safety precautions to take can safe a life and reduce the risk of a fire. 

Electricity and water are dangerous when combined because water is a conductor of electricity.  Water allows electricity to flow through it.  Any kind of damaged wiring allows for a risk of electrical shock and puts family or your employees in life threatening danger.  Any wires that have come into contact with standing water should be immediately inspected by a professional.  Not only are exposed wiring a threat for electrical shock but a risk of a devastating property fire.

If the water has risen to an electrical outlet one should try and switch off the power source.  Once all power sources are turned off the electrical equipment can be unplugged.  This allows the equipment to have a greater chance of being saved. 

As with electrical the smell of gas is another safety concern.  If you return to your home or business and smell gas you should leave immediately and notify the authorities there could be a risk of explosion. 

When dealing with a water damage to a business or home consider the signs and safety tips listed as a safety precaution:

     Any wires that have come into contact with      water should be replaced by a professional

     If a humming or buzzing noise is heard do not attempt to handle in any way

     If a buzzing wire is in a pool of water avoid the area.  Water carries a charge and is as      dangerous as the wire.

     Try and switch off the power source. 

     Do not try to operate electrical equipment or appliances that have come into contact with water

With any catastrophe that has caused damage to your home, Safety should be your first concern.  Our homes are one of the most expensive investments and having a safety plan and safety precautions to follow can save lives and your investment from further damage.  

SERVPRO of the Quad Cities has trained technicians in Water Restoration.  If you find your home under water call for clean up and drying out.  Safety first and then the professional cleanup begins.