Advice for OPPD Customers on Flood Safety
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires
• Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines
What to do prior to the flood for electrical safety
• Make sure your electric circuit breakers, fuses, are clearly marked for each
• Turn off electricity at the main breaker box, or fuse box.
• Unplug appliances
Electrical safety during a flood emergency
• Never enter a flooded basement or other flooded area where water may be in contact with electrical wiring, appliances and other devices.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to turn off power at the main electrical panel box if you must stand in water or even on a wet floor to do so.
• Furthermore, never operate electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing in water or are on a wet surface, or if you are wet.
• Keep all electric-powered tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from water and wet surfaces. Do not use electric tools and equipment outdoors if the ground is wet.
Standby electric generators
If the health of a person receiving medical treatment would be seriously threatened in the event of a power outage, you may want to consider having a standby generator installed in your home. Here are some important things to keep in mind about standby generators:
• For the safety of your family and OPPD employees, only a qualified professional – such as a licensed contractor – should install a standby generator, including all wiring, piping, vents and gas line connections.
• The generator must be equipped with a transfer switch to isolate it from OPPD lines. Without a transfer switch, electricity from the generator may backfeed electricity onto OPPD lines, causing injury or death to line technicians working on those lines.
•All equipment must comply with legal codes and regulations.
• The output of the generator must be enough to meet your home’s maximum electrical load.
• A portable generator should be kept outside. Using it in an enclosed area may cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or other harmful gases.
• Fuel should be stored properly, preferably in a separate building.
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