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For Electric Cooperative Members

Don’t Use a Wet Appliance

Remember electrical safety during—and after—a flood

If a spring storm floods your home, your washing machine and clothes dryer could wind up waterlogged—and that’s not safe. Have a professional check for damage to your electrical system and appliances.

Before beginning to clean up a flooded house, turn off the electricity and unplug all appliances. Waterlogged appliances, especially those with motors close to the ground, could be damaged and should not be used until properly cleaned, dried and inspected.

Open all appliances and wipe them clean. Allow water to drain out and let them dry completely, which could take up to a week. Never plug a wet appliance back in before a service technician checks it for electrical damage.

Before restoring your electricity, wipe clean all outlets that the water may have touched, and call a service technician to inspect the system.

To prevent your home from flooding while you’re away, turn off the water before you leave. Also, consider adding downspouts to your gutters to divert water so it won’t pour onto the ground near the house.