Press Release

PUC Stresses Utility Safety and Caution for Homeowners & Businesses Impacted by Flooding

Published on 7/27/2018

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today encouraged homeowners and businesses impacted by recent flooding across the state to consider the following utility-related safety tips as they begin clean-up and recovery:

Flooding and electric power

• Avoid downed utility lines, along with flooded homes or businesses – submerged wires, power outlets or appliances may energize standing water.
• Do not touch electric panels, outlets or appliances if you are wet or standing in water.
• If your basement floods, do not enter unless you are sure the water is not in contact with a source of electricity. Call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before you enter a flooded basement.
• Utilities will inspect flooded areas and will assess when it is safe to restore service to their systems – but homeowners and businesses should work with licensed electricians regarding repairs to customer-owned lines and appliances.  
• If the utility removed your electric meter and cut power to your home due to flooding, the utility may require you to have your system inspected by a licensed electrician before it restores power (contact your utility for any clarification).
• Do not attempt to plug in or turn on any water-damaged appliances until they have been inspected by a qualified electrician and determined to be safe.
• Consult professionals regarding the need to repair or replace any water-damaged devices.
   

Flooding and natural gas safety

• If you are outside a building and you smell gas, do not enter the building. Call 9-1-1 and your gas company from a safe location.
• If you are inside a building and you smell gas, leave immediately. Call 9-1-1 and your gas company from a safe location.
• If your home or business has flooded and any of your natural gas appliances (including furnaces, boilers, water heaters and dryers) have been affected, contact a licensed professional to clean, repair and test all appliances and pipes.
• Do not attempt to restart natural gas appliances yourself – contact a professional.
• If flood waters rose above your gas meter and regulator, contact your gas utility to inspect those systems before use.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov