With Nova Scotian winters comes the threat of electrical hazards throughout our neighborhoods. Downed power lines, power outages, and coastal flooding can all occur in the worst of storms. As well, even after the storm is over, there are still dangers to be aware of. Prepare for the worst before it happens!
Downed Power Lines:
Stay back! Assume fallen power lines are energized with electrical charge, and keep at least 10 feet away from it, as well as from any objects it may be touching.
Do not attempt to move a downed power line – leave it to the professionals!
Contact your local power authority immediately to report what you saw!
Portable Generators:
Don’t use a portable generator inside! Generators can produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
Be sure your generator is being used with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Use a transfer switch! Your generator should not be connected directly to your house, as it could backfeed along your power lines & potentially hurt a linesworker doing repairs.
Ensure there is at least 1 working carbon monoxide alarm in your home! Test the batteries twice a year, at the same time you test your smoke detectors.
Space Heaters:
Ensure the space heater has a sticker showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
Before use, read the instructions & warning labels carefully.
Inspect your space heater for cracked/broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use the heater!
Do not leave a space heater unattended! This includes running it at night whilst you sleep.
Do not leave a space heater alone in a room with children or pets.
Only use space heaters to heat a room, and never for any other purpose (i.e. cooking food, warming blankets, thawing pipes).
Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from any flammables, such as clothing, papers, or rugs.
Locate your space heater out of high-traffic areas or thoroughfares as they can be tripped over.
Always plug your space heater directly in a wall outlet. Never use extension cords or power strips to power your space heater.
Ensure your space heater is located on a level, flat, low surface. Do not place your space heater on carpet!
Always unplug & safely store your space heater when not actively in use.
Post-Disaster Flood Safety:
If you evacuated, only return home during daylight hours, especially if power is not restored yet.
If you smell gas, notify the emergency authorities immediately! Do not turn on any lights, light any matches, or engage in any activity that could create a spark.
Use caution when restoring power after it was disrupted by a storm. Contact your local power authority to report any damage to your electrical service.
Discard any electrical items (such as breakers, fuses, GFCIs, plugs & switches) that were submerged by water.
Do not use any electrical appliances that have been exposed to water! Water can damage internal components of your refrigerator, furnace, washing machine & dryer.
Have an electrician inspect all electrical that was impacted by the flood. Do not turn on or plug in any appliances unless deemed safe by the electrician.
If electrical appliances have been submerged underwater, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman, per the electrical manufacturer’s recommendations. Many times, the equipment cannot be reenergized and will need to be replaced.