It came, and it came raging. Hurricane Irma destroyed many homes, families and affected lives of thousands.

The aftermath was devastating for some. Taking this opportunity, the team of Miami Water Heater would like to express its sincere condolences for the victims and their families.

As the affected communities work towards restoration—everyone boarding down the hurried path to get things back to normal—we would like to humbly intervene and request our readers to carefully and closely evaluate things before proceeding with any repair works. Especially the restoration projects that involve working with electricity and electrical wirings.

It is worth reminding ourselves that electrical safety hazards do not only characterize the nature of risks, one is heavily exposed to during a storm; but they also linger long after a storm has passed.

Here are some electrical safety tips to help keep you safe, post Hurricane Irma.

Tip #1: Stay Away From a Flooded Basement

Yes, your damaged tankless electric water heater needs to be inspected to assess its safety for re-use but for the time being, it’s better to stay away from your flooded basement. Or any other such repair and restoration project, for which you may have to visit your flooded basement.

What if I turn off the power and then go visit the basement?

It is still not advisable. Storm damaged grids are likely to be running back feeds during these times. You cannot rely on your circuit breaker to prevent the backflow of current from a generator operating at a distance.

Wait for the concerned authorities to intervene.

Tip #2: Do Not Use an Electrical Equipment Previously Subjected to a Submerge

It doesn’t matter if it’s completely dry now. If it has been subjected to a submerge in the storm waters, it is likely to malfunction. If not now, maybe a few days later. You cannot take that risk with electrical equipment.

Tip #3: Get Your Grounding System Checked Before Using The Home’s Electrical Outlets

Your grounding system helps protect you against hazards of electrocution. In an event of a storm or a hurricane, the grounding system can easily get damaged. This means you are no longer safe; you cannot use your home’s electrical outlets without conforming the extent of damage.

Call in an electrical contractor and get your grounding system inspected.

Tip #4: Operate Your Generator—But Safely

A portable generator can be a handy power source when you are facing a power outage after a storm. However, you need to make sure that your generator is operating with all the safety principles intact. Here are some pointers to make note of:

  1. Only turn on your generator after ensuring that the transfer switch is working.

  2. Do not run excess load on your generator.

  3. Position it on a dry surface, when in operation.

Follow these 4 tips and forward them to everyone in your social circle.

Stay strong and be safe!