Electrical Safety After a Disaster

Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major storm, tornado, or other disaster, so it's wise to be overly cautious.
Tips
-Beware of outdoor hazards. Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to proper authorities. It is not unusual in a disaster such as this for more people to be killed by carelessness in the aftermath than were killed by the event itself.
-Be sure all electric and gas services are turned off before entering buildings for the first time.
-Disconnect main switch and all circuits.
-Remove covers from all outlets and fuses or multibreaker boxes and flush with clean water. Let dry and spray with contact cleaner/lubricant.
-Watch for electrical shorts or live wires. Don't turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.
-Electric motors in appliances that have been flooded should be thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned before they are put back into service.