With the Environment Agency issuing warnings and forecasters predicting that April’s below-average temperatures and torrential rain are set to continue into May, homes across the UK face the risk of flooding. The ESC has issued urgent advice for householders who are affected by floods.
“Water and electricity are a lethal combination,” explains Penny Walshe from the ESC. “It may not immediately spring to mind when you are faced with the catastrophe of a flood in your home, but make sure that electrical safety is a priority before you try to do any clearing up.”
The ESC offers five essential advice points for anybody dealing with flood damage to their homes:
- Do not touch any sources of electricity – such as switches or appliances - when you are standing in flood water.
- If your electricity supply is not already turned off, contact your suppliers for help and advice.
- Don’t turn your gas and electricity back on until your providers say that it is safe to do so.
- Do not attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself – always use a registered electrician after contacting your supplier.
- Get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) done on your home by a registered electrician. This report will check the condition of the electrical wiring in your property.
You might also want to ask your registered electrician to have a look at any electrical equipment and appliances that could have been affected by flood water.
For more detailed advice on what to do, you can download our free leaflet:
Where to start once the flood water has gone
[url="http://www.esc.org.uk/public/news-and-campaigns/news/news/article/flooding-advice/"]Continue reading...[/url]
