Floods cause significant damage to homes and property. Once floodwaters recede and it appears safe to return to your home, remember that your home may still have a dangerous electrical current running through it while natural gas lines may have been damaged. Take the following precautions before re-entering your home:

• Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have a licensed electrician check the house wiring and appliances to make sure they are safe to use. Circuit breakers, fuses, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside (discard them when they have been submerged).
• If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Never use damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electrical shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire.
• Use GFCIs to prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at most hardware stores at a reasonable price.
• When using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a power washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electric shock.
• Never allow the power cord connections to become wet. Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the three-prong plug -- this can result in electrical shock or electrocution.
• Take care when stepping into a flooded garage or basement, and be aware that submerged outlets or electrical cords may be energizing the water.

• Never use candles or open flames as a light source.
• Before turning on a natural gas appliance have it checked by a qualified service repairman.
• If natural gas house lines or appliances were under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a licensed plumber.
• If you smell natural gas, do not turn on or off lights or use any electrical appliances or telephone. Leave the building immediately and report it to CPS Energy at (210) 353-4357.