Even if floodwaters are not reaching electrical outlets, the risk of electrical shock to someone working in a flooded basement is high with electric motors in the furnace, freezer, washer, dryer, and other appliances. Shut off electrical breakers or unscrew fuses. Don't stand in water and turn off electrical switches. If floodwaters are getting close to the electrical entrance box, call the power supplier and have the electrical supply to the house disconnected.
If the floor is damp but not flooded or if working on wet ground outdoors, use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to reduce the risk of using electricity. In newer homes, interrupters can be identified by the buttons between the top and bottom outlets. Alternatively, entire circuits may be protected by a GFCI breaker in the circuit box. They can be added to any outlet or in an extension cord to reduce the hazards associated with working around water.
