Electrical Safety Authority warns of electrical hazards posed by expected flooding

Water and Electricity Are a Lethal Mix

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 4, 2025 /CNW/ - With warmer temperatures and heavy rain expected across the province, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontario residents of heightened risk of electrical hazards posed by expected flooding in the area.

"Warmer temperatures combined with heavy rains could trigger snowmelt flooding," said Eric Kingston, VP of Operations, Electrical Safety Authority. "The safety of the public is our top priority. There is a heightened risk of electric shock when water makes contact with electrical systems that could result in serious injury or death."

ESA reminds residents that water-damaged electrical outlets and appliances pose heightened risk of electrical shock. Following these important steps could save your life, or the lives of first responders and utility workers in your area.

To help safeguard your home from expected flooding:

• Unplug and move electrical appliances and devices out of your home or to an area above the expected level of floor water. Do not reuse products if they have been in contact with flood water;
• Prepare the outside of your home by unplugging and storing extension cords indoors above the potential flood line;
• If you need to evacuate your home ahead of flooding, disconnect the power to your home by ensuring that the main switch by your electrical panel is left in the "off" position before you leave; and
• Watch out for downed powerlines in flood-affected areas. If you see one, stay back 10 metres and call 9-1-1 and your local electric utility to report it.

If you have water contact or damage to your electrical system, follow these four steps:

1.    If water in your basement has risen above the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace or electrical panel, DO NOT enter the basement until the power has been disconnected by the local electric utility.
2.    If your electrical system has been affected, your utility may not be able to restore power to your property until damage has been assessed and necessary repairs have been made.
3.    ESA strongly recommends you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor to evaluate your home's electrical system to determine if it is safe to have the local electric utility restore power to your home. You can find a Licensed Electrical Contractor at www.esasafe.com.

• The contractor will file for a permit with the ESA so there is a record of the work;
• When the contractor completes the work, the contractor will work with ESA to confirm the installation is in safe working order and that power can be reconnected;
• ESA will inform the utility that the building is safe to reconnect;
• The utility will reconnect when it is safe and able to do so.

4.    After the work is done, ask the contractor for a copy of the ESA Certificate of Acceptance for your records and insurance.

Portable Generators 

Portable generators can provide security and comfort during power outages. However, they can cause electrical shock and fire hazards if connected or used incorrectly.  

Follow these tips to use your generator safely:  

• Never use a generator indoors. They produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes, so set them up outside away from windows, doors or vents to your house or your neighbor's house;   
• If you're buying a generator, make sure it has a certification mark from an approved certification agency;   
• Don't attach a portable generator directly to your home's electricity system. It could cause power to flow back into the power grid and electrocute you or a utility worker, or damage the system; and  
• If you want to permanently connect your generator to your home's system, you need to file a permit with ESA. A Licensed Electrical Contractor must make the connection.

ESA reminds all homeowners and businesses, including restoration companies, to ensure that the power has been disconnected to the entire property, which may include battery storage, solar or backup generators, before entering to avoid shock and electrocution. This includes flooded basements and outbuildings that contain electrical equipment or are connected to the electrical system.

For more information on flood safety tips, or to find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in your area visit www.esasafe.com.

About the Electrical Safety Authority

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to improve public electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is an administrative authority responsible for administering specific regulations under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Part VIII) related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through https://twitter.com/homeandsafety and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.

SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority

Media Enquiries: For further information: Electrical Safety Authority, 905-712-7819 or [email protected]