Electrical and natural gas safety tips from Xcel Energy

Electrical Safety

Do not touch or attempt to uplug or disconnect an electrical appliance if you have to stand in water to do it. Don't attempt it even on a damp floor.

If it appears the water level will rise above the electric outlets in your basement, notify your power company immediately so your service can be shut off.

If you think your electric meter or other parts of the electric system in your house were submerged in a flood, it's wise to have your electric system checked by a qualified electrician or inspector, even if your power did not go out.

Natural Gas Safety

Appliance control manufacturers recommend that a trained service professional replace all controls that have been submerged in water. Manufacturers warn that these appliance controls will corrode over time, causing gas valve failure and dangerous 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.

Call in a service represenitive to check your furnace and any natural gas appliance that were submerged. Do not attempt to turn your gas back on yourself. Your natural gas company will do it for you to make sure your service is safe and reliable.

Xcel Energy will disconnect electricity and/or natural gas service to flooded homes and businesses in its service territory.

Homeowners should call 1-800-895-4999 to request a disconnection.

Businesses should call 1-800-481-4700. Both lines are available 24 hours.

Do not attempt to disconnect electricty or natural gas service yourself.

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