LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (Aug. 29, 2018) – In addition to washed out roads and bridges, many home and business owners in southern Wisconsin may be dealing with wet or flooded basements, which combined with electricity and natural gas can create safety risks. 

Xcel Energy encourages customers to be safe around electricity and electrical appliances when encountering flood conditions. In certain flood-related situations, Xcel Energy may need to disconnect electric and/or natural gas service to ensure customer safety. Customers should not attempt to disconnect electricity or natural gas service themselves. Xcel Energy offers the following important safety tips:

Electrical Safety

  • Never walk through a flooded home or building until the electricity is disconnected. Even a small amount of water on the floor can put you at risk for electrocution.
  • Do not touch or attempt to unplug or disconnect an electrical appliance if you have to stand in water to do it. Don't even attempt it on a damp floor.
  • If you think the water might rise high enough to cover basement electrical outlets, switch off the circuit breakers (or remove the fuses) at the main electrical box. Don't go into the basement if there is water already on the floor.
  • Safely turn off all breakers, and unplug all appliances and electronic equipment such as computers, televisions or sensitive electronic equipment in your residence. When you return, turn your breakers on one at a time, and then plug in your electronic equipment.
  • If your power is off or disconnected, unplug or turn off all electric appliances and equipment you think were on before your power went out to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Plug your appliances back in and turn on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
  • If it appears the water level will reach the main electrical box or your electric meter, notify Xcel Energy so we can shut off the electrical service to your home completely.
  • If you plan to use a standby generator, please use extreme caution, and make sure it is properly installed and maintained.

Natural Gas Safety

  • In the event of flooding in your basement, it is important to have the natural gas supply to your home disconnected. Contact your service provider to shut off your natural gas service and do not attempt to turn it back on yourself.
  • Although it’s obvious you can’t move your furnace, if you have a natural gas dryer, you may be able to move it to a higher location. However, we urge you to contact a professional to disconnect the natural gas line before you move it.
  • If you smell natural gas, leave the house immediately. Don't turn lights on or off or use any other electrical switches, including garage door openers, under any circumstances. Don't open any windows or doors other than the ones you pass through on your way out. Don't use a cell phone or any other phone while still in the house; go to a neighbor's house or other safe place away from your home to call Xcel Energy’s gas emergency number – 1-800-895-2999 – for help, or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

After flood waters recede

  • If floodwaters entered your home or business, a licensed electrician must check the wiring and electrical equipment to make sure it’s safe and an electrical inspection must be performed. Xcel Energy will need verification of the inspection before we can restore power to the premise.
  • If gas-related appliances are exposed to flood waters and repairs are necessary, they must be made by a licensed appliance repair person. Appliance manufacturers recommend that a trained service professional replace all appliances when controls have been submerged in water. Manufacturers warn that these appliance controls will corrode over time, causing gas valve failure and dangerous natural gas leaks. Appliance controls are often at the bottom of the appliance, and the appliance itself does not have to be submerged for appliance controls to be submerged. An inspection will be required once equipment has been repaired or replaced.
  • Contractors with questions about the reconnection process may call the Xcel Energy Builders Call Line at 1-800-628-2121.

More flood safety information is available on Xcel Energy’s website.

                                                                     # # #


About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.