Rosslyn, VA, September 7, 2004 -- In the wake of several hurricanes and tropical storms that have caused widespread destruction and flooding, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) are warning storm-weary Florida and the southeastern United States about the dangers present when water comes into contact with electricity.

"As families begin to clean up following a flood, there may be electrical hazards still hidden throughout the home," says Michael G. Clendenin, ESFI's executive director. "Take the time to protect your family and home by making a new beginning that includes finding and fixing all electrical dangers caused by a flood."

ESFI has some important safety advice:

• Take care when stepping into a flooded basement, and be aware that submerged outlets or electrical cords may be energizing the water, a potential lethal trap.


• Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.


• If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire.


• Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.


• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.


• Electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs, and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Discard them when they have been submerged.


• When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock.


• Do not allow the power cord connections to become wet. Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the three-prong plug.

NEMA has published Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment, a 12-page brochure designed for use by suppliers, installers, inspectors, and users of electrical products. The document provides advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water through flooding, fire fighting activities, hurricanes, etc. It outlines which items will require complete replacement or can be reconditioned by a trained professional. Equipment covered includes electrical distribution equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, transformers, wire, cable and flexible cords, wiring devices, GFCIs and surge protectors, lighting fixtures and ballasts, motors, electronic products including signaling, protection, communication systems, and industrial controls, and cable trays. The brochure may be downloaded free of charge here.

NEMA Field Representative John Minick, who covers the southeast region, has worked closely with the electrical inspection community to publicize the availability of the NEMA brochure. He can be reached at 972-642-8113 or jd.minick.nema@worldnet.att.net.