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Flood & Water Safety

Safety is top priority; always stay away from fallen power lines, water conducts electricity, and electrocution in water can be fatal.

Saskpower must cut power to any area that has flooded. The risk of electrical shock or electrocution due to fallen power lines and fallen power poles is minimized by shutting off power.

This allows power to be restored as safely and quickly as possible. Cutting the power also protects electrical equipment from water damage, which would delay power restoration efforts.

In an emergency, call SaskPower toll free at 1.306.310.2220.

Be Prepared Before, During and After a Flood

Before and During a Flood

  • Disconnect all outdoor electrical devises - extension cords, yard lights, receptacles, air conditioners, appliances, power to sheds, etc., that are in danger of being submerged.
  • If water is entering your basement, disconnect all equipment and receptacles in the basement by unplugging appliances and turning off the breakers, ONLY if this can be done in a safe manner.
  • If the water is entering your basement and you are unable to get to the breakers, call SaskPower to disconnect the power.
  • When using pumps, lights, and tools in the vicinity of the water, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter must be used (such as the GFCI bathroom receptacle, GFCI outside receptacles or GFCI extension cords).
  • When using portable generators, do not connect to the house circuits! This can cause a dangerous back-feed situation. Use for specific tools only such as lights and pumps. Do not run generators indoors or in confined spaces. Keep all cords and generators safely out of the water.


After a Flood

When restoring power to a flood damaged premises, there are several conditions to be aware of and processes to comply with.

An electrical contractor must make the electrical system safe to be reconnected. A permit must be submitted and a TSASK Electrical Inspector must inspect before reconnection.

All work must meet the minimum requirements of the current Canadian Electrical Code. When electrical equipment is exposed to water, corrosion is enhanced rapidly. The equipment may look safe on the outside, but it can be extremely dangerous to re-use.

  1. Circuits and equipment that were subjected to the flood must be disconnected and isolated before power can be restored.
  2. If the service (panel box, etc.) has been exposed to water, it must be replaced or completely disassembled and cleaned. All the breakers must be replaced, and the damaged breakers must be destroyed. When service equipment is replaced, the entire service must be brought up to current Canadian Electrical Code standards.
  3. All meter sockets must be securely mounted.
  4. Grounding must be checked and if repairs are required, they must meet the minimum requirements of the current Canadian Electrical Code. Ground clamps should be cleaned or replaced.
  5. All submerged conductors, cables, equipment, receptacles, switches etc., must be replaced and the damaged material destroyed.
  6. Conduit systems that have been flooded must be cleaned as good as possible, and a bond wire will have to be installed with the new conductors.
  7. Furnaces and water heaters must be checked over by a qualified gas contractor.

If your premise has had the power turned off as a safety precaution and has not been flooded, a TSASK Electrical Inspector can verify that it is safe to be re-energised and have the power restored without an electrical contractor or permit.