Electrical Safety in Disaster Situations

PLH Group provides energy-focused construction services, including storm response and restoration. From airborne services to amphibious operations, the organization’s power line and pipeline crews use a variety of tools and equipment— as well as years of proven, professional expertise— to ensure safe, electric power reliability to energy consumers across the United States and into Canada. Though PLH Group business units are poised to respond during emergencies, they cannot control natural disasters from occurring. Therefore, preparation for these circumstances is essential to ease recovery and restoration efforts.

From winter ice storms to summer hurricanes and wildfires, PLH Group power line and pipeline business units work with utilities to safely restore power as quickly as possible.

Energy consumers, though, should always take preventative measures and use extreme caution when faced with a disaster situation. Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Ready.gov provide electrical-related tips for disaster preparation, management, and recovery.

Before a disaster:

• Create an emergency action plan. This includes having and practicing emergency shutdown and start up plans and procedures.
• Keep energy sources and major equipment elevated from floor and away from areas that are most prone to flooding.
• Charge communication equipment, especially those necessary for emergency communication.

During a disaster:

• Avoid flooded areas.
• Turn off main power, if possible.
• Because power may go out and come back on with momentary, sporadic surges, unplug all electrical equipment and elevate it from the ground. Relocate equipment, if necessary.
• If lightning is present, do not run water or use a landline phone. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.

After a disaster:

• Avoid flooded areas and water-impacted electrical equipment, including downed power lines.
• If using a portable generator, use an approved transfer switch. Also, be sure it is plugged into a GFCI.
• To avoid electrical fire, shock, or electrocution, have a certified electrician determine what water-impacted equipment and electrical sources should be restored or replaced prior to use.

PLH Group business units are ready to respond when natural disasters strike. However, these occurrences are unavoidable and sometimes come without warning. Follow prevention and protection measures to minimize damage to equipment and personal safety when devastation hits.