FPL | Water Damage to Electrical
 

Water Damage to Your Home's Electrical System

Check for water damage

If your home has water damage from leaks or flooding, FPL urges you to follow these important safety tips:

  • Watch for downed power lines when you approach your home. Consider all power lines energized and call 911 or FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE to report downed power lines that you feel present a clear and imminent danger to you or others. Do not attempt to touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them.
  • Once inside, unplug all electrical appliances. Use caution. Do not stand in water when operating switches, plugging in or unplugging electrical cords.
  • When resetting circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber-soled shoes and stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a dry piece of wood or wooden furniture.

If the breakers don't reset, or if they continue to trip

If the breakers will not reset or they continue to trip, call a licensed electrician. This condition might indicate a short in your electrical system. Follow these instructions:

If ...

Then...

You had no problem resetting the circuit breakers

Check your appliances for water damage and make sure all cords are dry before you attempt to re-plug electrical appliances into wall sockets.

After plugging in an appliance, the breakers trip (or fuse blows) or you see smoke or smell a burning odor

Shut off power at the circuit breaker and have the appliance checked by a qualified appliance service provider.

Be very careful around all electrical wires and equipment. If you have any doubts about your home's electrical system or are unsure of how to proceed, call a professional, licensed electrician.