Flooding can cause serious problems even after a storm subsides.  Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative provides the following safety tips for reestablishing electric service after flood waters have receded. If you have any doubts about your home electrical systems or feel you don't have sufficient knowledge of electrical wiring and appliances, CALL A PROFESSIONAL, LICENSED ELECTRICIAN.

Before resetting circuit breakers:

When approaching your home, watch for downed power lines. If you see any, do not proceed.  Report downed lines immediately to your local utility.  Upon reentering your home, disconnect all electrical appliances.  DO NOT attempt to reset breakers or replace fuses until ALL water has receded. Use caution.  Some circuits above the flood level may be energized.  Do not stand in water when operating switches, plugging in or unplugging appliances, or resetting breakers or replacing fuses.

If breakers will not reset and continue to trip, call a professional electrician.  This condition might indicate a short-circuit in your electrical system.  Before resetting breakers, be sure to check appliances for water damage and that all cords and other parts are dry before re-plugging into wall sockets.  If the breakers trip after plugging in an appliance or you see smoke or smell a burning odor, disconnect the appliance immediately and have it checked by a qualified appliance service technician.

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