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  • Flooding and Electricity

    Flooding following extreme weather or a local issue such as a broken water supply can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. Follow this advice to prepare for and deal with the consequences of flooding and stay safe.

  • Before a flood

    If you know there is a risk of a local river or stream bursting its banks and flooding buildings in the area, prepare as follows:

    • Turn off and unplug large appliances on the ground floor.
    • If you can, unplug and move portable appliances to a higher location.
    • Download our leaflet and fill out our handy contact sheet so you have it ready should the worst happen.

  • During a flood

    • If water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply using your isolator switch or fuse box – but only if it is safe to do so. If you are unsure, contact your insurer or an electrician for advice. If you don’t have an isolator switch, contact your electricity supplier (the company that sends you an electricity bill) and they will be able to advise you on what to do. 
    • Don’t assume the electricity in a flooded property is off. There is a risk that anyone who touches wet electrical appliances, switches or cables could be electrocuted.  
    • Don’t touch any electrical appliances, cables or equipment if you are standing in flood water or if they are sitting in water.

  • After a flood

    • If your home has been flooded, please keep away from the electrical equipment. Call our emergency number on 0800 072 7282 (England) or 0800 300 999 (Scotland) to arrange a safety visit so we can check our main fuse and your meter. 
    • Your meter is the responsibility of your electricity supplier, but if it is faulty we will contact them for you.
    • Don’t run a generator indoors as the exhaust fumes can kill.
    • Make sure your internal wiring is checked by a qualified electrician before you turn anything back on. 
    • If you still have no electricity after an electrician has checked everything, and your fuses and trip switch are in the on position, please call our emergency number on 0800 072 7282 (England) or 0800 300 999 (Scotland). 
    • If you need to leave your property, turn off your main electricity isolator or fuse switch if it is safe to do so. In case we need to enter your property, please let us know how and where we can contact you.