Electrical Safety Tips for Flooding Disasters in Georgia

During a water damage emergency, compromised electrical systems and components have the potential to cause damages or injury. Whether the flood was caused by a water leak or a natural disaster, any type of flooding would require electrical safety precautions, as the dangers associated with live electricity during and after a flood must be taken seriously. These include electric shock, electrical fires and, in serious cases, death. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has compiled these electrical safety precautions for flooding events to keep you and your family safe.

What to Do During a Flood

During a flooding event, some of the most severe dangers are usually associated with your electrical systems. Keep these tips in mind when dealing with an active flood:

DOs:

• Avoid areas where sparks or buzzing or popping noises are observed.
• Watch out for acrid smells or burning-plastic odors, which may be indicative of an electrical fire.
• Avoid getting in contact with overhead power lines or downed power lines when doing cleanup and other activities.
• Shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker when sparks or a burning odor is observed, given that it hasn't been in contact with water.
• Connect with your utility company when using electrical equipment.
• Follow all the electrical safety precautions from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

DON'Ts:

• Don't step in standing water where electrical devices or outlets are submerged, because it may already be charged with a huge amount of electric current.
• Don't operate water-damaged electrical equipment unless a certified electrician says it's safe to do so.
• Don't touch a downed power line and call the local power company immediately.
• Don't drive through standing water where downed power lines are submerged.
• Don't try to enter standing water to access the main power switch. Leave it to a licensed electrician.
• Don't attempt to connect generators to your electrical circuits without the proper automatic-interrupt devices.

What to Do After a Flood

• After a flood, your electrical system may be susceptible to bacteria and mold growth as well as structural weakness after prolonged exposure to standing water.
• This moisture can also result to rust and corrosion and damage electrical elements beyond repair.
• Consult a certified electrician to examine your electrical system for defects and damages.
• A lot of components may have to be replaced, such as:

- circuitry, outlets, switches and wiring
- electronics
- fixtures
- HVAC equipment
- major appliances, especially those with a motor
- water heaters

• After electrical hazards have been contained, immediately call a team of professional water damage restoration specialists, such as ServiceMaster by LoveJoy of Georgia, to assess the extent of the damage, create a customized restoration plan, and return your home to pre-loss condition.

Electrical systems, components and equipment are often complex and dangerous, and these dangers are increased with the occurrence of flooding events or other water damage incidents. Follow these electrical safety tips to keep yourself and others safe.

Contact Us for Flood Water Damage Restoration in Conyers, Georgia

If your water damage emergency can't wait, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We service residential and commercial properties in Atlanta, Roswell , Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, Fulton County, Georgia and surrounding areas.

• Contact us at (678) 293-0297 for customers near Conyers, GA and (770) 983-6665 for customers near Roswell, GA.
• We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.
• You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
• Check our offices in these areas:

Conyers, GA: 700 Blacklawn Road Southwest Conyers, GA 30012
Covington, GA: 4905 Highway 20, Covington, GA 30016

How to be Safe After a Disaster?

General Safety Tips

Prior to entering a building, must check the building for a structural damage of if it is safe to enter. Make sure that the structure is not weakened or shifted.

Turn off any gas lines. Open the house to let the gas escape.

Wear protective gears such as gloves for hands to avoid injury, mask to avoid inhaling any remaining gas, hard hats to avoid any falling debris and sturdy shoes to not to step on any debris (watch out for nails, broken glasses, holes, splinters and falling plaster).

When entering a damage building only use a flashlight. Matches, lighters and torches sparks can ignite the gas and cause a fire or an explosion.

Never use any appliances, they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire. Make sure everything has dried up and all appliances are repaired and safe to use.

SAFE Water Supply

Flush plumbing features with a bucket of water to be sure they are open.

Septic tanks that overflows might mix with the water that flows through our house’s plumbing. 

Check if tubes and pipes have leaks. Call a Plumbing expert for the repair.

Do not drink the water from faucets. Let the authority inspect the water for sanitary reasons.

Private water is also not safe, boiling the water thoroughly before drinking must be done first.

Electrical Safety

Do not use the electrical system in a damaged building until it has been checked by a professional electrician.

Start the Clean Up: Contents Cleaning

Start the general clean up as soon as possible, especially after the flood. Make sure to completely dry and clean the whole house before living in it.

Moist areas can be a home for molds. Before molds build up, call a backup for Structural Drying.

Delay permanent repairs until buildings are thoroughly dry.

Keep the Children Safe

Keep the chemicals, disinfectant, poisons for insects and pests control out of children reach.

Be sure children are safe and kept in a cool dry place. Never leave the children or let them play around the damage buildings or any unsafe place.

Boil and sanitize children’s toys, cribs, playpens and play equipment. Toys that are hard to wash and clean can be discarded.

Do not allow children to play in contaminated water or sand. Cleaning buckets are not to be played with children, even with small amounts of liquid and if they topple into a bucket, it may not tip over and they could drown

Each situation should be handled with caution to keep the safety of valuables. Whole House Cleaning should be performed by an expert to prevent serious issues later. ServiceMaster by Lovejoy Reconstruction Team is licensed and insured as a general contractor to handle all your repairs and reconstruction services for damages due to storm, natural disasters and more.  Contact ServiceMaster by Lovejoy, a service provider, near Atlanta, Sandy Spring, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, DeKalb and surrounding areas. Call 678–293–0297,

·         Water Damage

·         Dehumidification

·         Structural Drying

·         Fire Damage

·         Contents Cleaning

·         Fire Damage Reconstruction

·         Soot and Smoke Damage

·         Storm and Disaster Emergency Team

·         Mold Inspection & Remediation

·         Water and Storm Damage

·         Water Removal

·         Construction and Repairs