• Even small amounts of water on garage, basement or other floors can put you at risk for electrocution. While electricity often is needed to run sump pumps and wet/dry vacuums to remove water, the risk of electrical shock is great.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to disconnect or work on or around an electric meter.
• Safety experts suggest using a generator to power your sump pump or wet/dry vacuum instead. Generators also come with safety concerns, so learn more about generator safety before operating one. Never run extension cords through water.
• If there is standing water anywhere in your home, garage or other building, call 800-662-4797 to disconnect power before you step inside. Once power is disconnected, you may work safely.
• Check to see if your municipality requires an inspection of your electrical wiring and equipment before reconnection. If so:
• Complete required repairs before service is restored.
• Provide us information that shows the municipality says it is safe to restore electrical service to your home.
• We require an inspection of your electrical wiring and equipment even if your municipality does not.
• Have a certified/licensed electrician inspect your electrical appliances and wiring system.
• Complete any required repairs.
• Provide us with a signed statement from a licensed/certified electrician before we restore electric service.
• When your building is safe for reconnection, call 800-662-4797.

Natural Gas
Natural Gas Collecting in Your Home or Building Causes Risks

• Standing water can extinguish pilot lights on water heaters and furnaces. If this occurs, natural gas may continue to be released and could collect in your home or building, creating great risks.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to disconnect or work on or around a natural gas meter.
• If your basement floods, call 800-261-5325 to have your home’s natural gas service turned off.

If your home was not damaged by flooding, but electric and/or natural gas service was disconnected due to unsafe conditions in your area:

• Wait for your local emergency management agencies to grant access to your residence or business and call your local municipality to determine if you are required to have an inspection before utilities can be restored.
• Once granted access, determine whether or not you need an inspection prior to calling us to make restoration arrangements.
• If it is determined your home or business was damaged due to flooding or your municipality requires an inspection:
• Our personnel only will reconnect electrical service if you have a signed statement from your municipality or from a licensed electrical contractor stating that it is safe to re-energize your home.
• Any required repairs must be completed prior to service restoration.

Anytime after electricity is restored, call 800-236-9957 to have your natural gas service restored. Your appliances must then be checked and re-lit by a licensed plumber or heating contractor.