Recommendations for ensuring electrical safety after flooding

After floods, due to the electrical system and equipment being soaked in water and damp, there is a high risk of leakage, short circuit and electric shock accidents.

Illustration photo.

To prevent the risk of fire, explosion, and accidents caused by electric shock, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department recommends that people absolutely not be subjective and need to strictly implement preventive measures, specifically as follows:

1. Preventing electric shock – Top priority

- Cut off the entire main power source (circuit breaker, circuit breaker) of the house as soon as the water has receded and has not been checked for safety.

- Never turn off the circuit breaker without checking and cleaning the electrical system (wires, sockets, switches) that have been soaked in water.

- Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands, bare feet or while standing on wet or muddy floors.

- Do not go near or touch electric poles, electric meter boxes, broken wires, fallen wires or flooded wires.

- Do not make temporary connections yourself, do not use bare wires or wet sockets to avoid the risk of electric shock and fire.

- When detecting electrical leakage, smoke, sparks or a burning smell, immediately disconnect the power source (if safe) and notify the Electricity Company for support.

2. Check and use fire safety equipment

- Remove and check all sockets, switches, junction boxes, electronic devices, and household appliances (refrigerators, TVs, fans, pumps, etc.) that have been flooded.

- Immediately remove or replace any frayed or broken electrical wires, or any outlets/switches contaminated with mud or rust.

- Electrical equipment that has been soaked in water must be completely dried and carefully checked for insulation by a qualified electrician before being put back into use. Never plug in wet equipment.

- Do not turn on/plug in all electrical devices at the same time, or high-power devices (water heater, air conditioner, induction cooker...) when the power is restored.

3. Reinstallation

- Raise the installation position of the main circuit breaker and electrical outlet higher than the highest recorded flood level to ensure long-term safety.

- Install a circuit breaker to ensure electrical safety in the home.

How to handle fire, explosion, accident or electric shock:

1. Cut off power: Quickly turn off the main circuit breaker (if safe).
2. Fire Extinguishing (if it is a fire): Use a fire extinguisher, sand, or thick blanket/cloth. Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire.
3. Call the Fire and Rescue Police: 114.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202510/khuyen-cao-dam-bao-an-toan-dien-sau-ngap-lut-3b24196/