The short answer
Assess the Risk First
Your safety comes before everything else. If water is anywhere near your electrical panel, outlets, or appliances, do not step into the room. Water conducts electricity, and even a thin layer can carry a lethal charge. If you have any doubt, leave the area and call your utility provider from a dry place.
If the water is limited to a specific area and the panel is dry and above the waterline, you can proceed with caution. Wear rubber-soled shoes and use a dry wooden stick or a plastic tool to operate the breaker. Never touch the panel with wet hands or while standing in water.
- Check for standing water near the panel
- Look for sparks, buzzing, or burning smells
- Make sure your hands are dry
- Use a non-conductive tool if possible
- Keep a flashlight handy in case lights go out
Locate Your Main Breaker
The main breaker is usually in a gray metal box on an exterior wall, in a garage, or in a basement. It controls all power to your home. If you know where it is, you can turn it off quickly during an emergency. If you do not know, find it now and label it clearly.
In Layton, homes vary in age, so your panel may be inside or outside. If the panel is in a basement and water has entered, do not go down there. Call your utility provider instead. They can shut off power from the street, but only they can do that safely.
Turn off the Main Switch
Stand to the side of the panel, not directly in front of it. Use one hand to flip the main switch from on to off. The switch is usually a large lever at the top or bottom of the panel. If it is a fuse box, remove the main fuse block or pull the handle to off.
After you turn it off, do not assume the power is dead. Test a light switch or plug in a small device to confirm. If the power does not go off, do not touch anything else. Leave the panel and call your utility provider immediately.
If You Cannot Reach the Panel
Sometimes the panel is in a flooded area or behind a locked door. In that case, do not risk it. Your utility provider can disconnect power from the outside. In Layton, the utility company handles that service. You can also ask a neighbor if they have a generator, but never run one indoors.
If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate the house immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not turn off electricity if you suspect a gas leak, because the spark could ignite the gas. Leave the building and wait for emergency responders.
After the Water Recedes
Once the floodwater is gone and the area is dry, have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical system before turning the power back on. Water can damage wiring, outlets, and the panel itself. Do not attempt to repair or reset anything yourself.
If you need help with cleanup or drying, local water damage pros can assist with extraction and structural drying. They can also remove water-damaged drywall and flooring. Check with your insurance company about what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Water damage does not wait
Call (801) 383-0232 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off the electricity if the panel is wet?
No. If the panel is wet or in standing water, do not touch it. Water conducts electricity, and you could be electrocuted. Call your utility provider to shut off power from the outside. Wait until a professional confirms it is safe.
What should I do if I cannot find the main breaker?
If you cannot find it, do not waste time searching during a flood. Call your utility provider right away. They can disconnect power remotely or send someone to do it. After the flood, locate the panel and label it for future emergencies.
Is it safe to turn the power back on after a flood?
Only after a qualified electrician has inspected your system. Floodwater can damage wiring and outlets, even if they look dry. Have the electrician check everything before you flip the main switch. Your safety depends on a thorough inspection.