Should I turn off the electricity if the floor is wet?
Yes, if you can reach the main breaker from a dry place. The CDC says to cut power when circuits are wet or near water, and not to walk through standing water to do it. If the panel sits across the water, call an electrician. Do not use a tool in standing water.
On this page
The CDC treats wet circuits as a reason to cut the power at the main breaker, but only from a dry place.
When you should cut the power
The CDC electrical page says that if electrical circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not enter standing water to reach that switch. Call an electrician to turn it off. The same page says never to turn power on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water.
The CDC reentry page repeats that: if you have standing water and can turn off the main power from a dry location, do it, even if that delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to reach the switch, call an electrician. Have an electrician check the system before you turn the power back on.
What the Red Cross adds
The Red Cross utilities page says to shut the electricity at the main fuse box or breaker if you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation. If a pool of water sits between you and the panel, it says you may try a dry wooden stick to reach the main fuse or breaker, and still not to step or stand in the water. If you cannot reach the panel, call a qualified electrician.
A tripped breaker can mean damaged wiring. The Red Cross says not to turn those breakers back on. Call an electrician.
After the power is off
Use a flashlight, not candles. Do not use a shop vac or any electric tool until an electrician says the power is safe, and never while you stand in water. What to do when water is in the house is the rest of the order, including when fans can come on.
If you are in Terre Haute and a plumber or electrician has to pull a city permit for the repair, that permit is separate from cutting the breaker tonight.
Sources
Who wrote and checked this page
- Written by
- Soaked SOS editorial staff. Who runs this site
- Facts checked
- , by the Soaked SOS editorial staff, against the sources listed on this page.
- Licensed professional
- None. No licensed restoration contractor or industrial hygienist has checked this page.
Want a crew to look at the water?
Soaked SOS and one or more water-damage companies that serve your area may call and text you to talk through what you are seeing. Asking is free, and the call is not a bid.