Prepare for the Next Outage | Prepare for Snow and Ice
Prepare for a Windstorm
Flash floods can occur within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall. Residents in low-lying areas are at particular risk. Flooding may also occur in basements, apartments, and underground garages where drainage and run-off occur. Stay prepared with these tips
IS IT SAFE TO SHUT OFF POWER DURING A FLOOD?
• Unplug any outdoor electrical equipment and move indoor electronics from the floor to higher ground before a significant weather event. • If you evacuate, turn off the electricity and other utilities before leaving the property.
• Remember, water and electricity don’t mix!
CAN POWER GO OUT DURING A FLOOD OR RAINSTORM?
• Flooding can cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.
• Be aware of your surroundings and never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
Did you know that as little as six inches of moving water can knock you down? Just one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Turn around, don’t drown!
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY HOME IF FLOODING IS LIKELY?
• Before a flood occurs, you can reduce the risk of damage to structures by elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances and heating systems.
• Ensure that basements are waterproofed and that your sump pump is working. Install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure. A water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, anchor any fuel tanks and move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
