NEMA Cautions Against Damaged Electrical Equipment in the Wake of Tropical Storm Hermine

ROSSLYN, Va., Sept. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Tropical Storm Hermine leaves Florida and makes its way up the coast, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) offers critical guidance materials for electrical safety before, during, and after the storm. Electrical manufacturers urge the general public to take preventive measures and follow electrical safety guidelines, particularly in regards to flooding, power outages, and downed power lines. NEMA publishes guidance documents to help emergency responders, city officials, building inspectors, and contractors ensure electrical safety and protocol during hurricanes.

"Homeowners should take extreme caution when evaluating electrical systems that have been flooded by rainwater or storm surges," said Jack Lyons, NEMA's northeast region field representative. "The effects of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in the Northeast showed how vulnerable electrical systems are to water exposure if they are not suitable for such events."

To prepare for the storm, Lyons provides this advice: "Shut off and leave off all electrical equipment until it is properly evaluated by trained electrical workers. Due diligence with water-damaged electrical systems will save lives."

"This is a life safety issue," said Bryan Holland, NEMA's southern region field representative, who has been working with local responders and city officials in Florida and Georgia. "Hermine has already left tens of thousands of residents without electricity, and as the storm continues to threaten the mid-Atlantic, many more could be affected. Electricity is taken for granted in homes; wiring that's concealed behind walls is easily missed when disasters strike."

With flooding along the coast from storm surges, inland flooding from rain, and extremely high wind speeds, downed power lines are one of the many dangers associated with natural disasters. The use of generators after a storm releases carbon monoxide and creates an electrocution hazard for anyone operating the equipment.

"NEMA safety guidance on how to evaluate water- or wind-damaged electrical equipment provides crucial advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment exposed to harsh weather conditions," said Holland.

The safety guides can be found on the NEMA website and include tips on preparing homes and workplaces for a storm, electrical safety during a storm, and restoring electrical systems affected by the wind, rain, or flooding. Pass along this information, also available at www.nema.org:

• Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment
• After the Storm Strategies
• Guidance on Downed Power Lines
• Disaster Recovery Guidance

For weather-related safety tips, the Electrical Safety Foundation International provides additional resources.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 400 electrical, medical imaging, and radiation therapy manufacturers at the forefront of electrical safety, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and energy security. Our combined industries account for more than 400,000 American jobs and more than 7,000 facilities across the United States. Domestic production exceeds $117 billion per year.

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SOURCE National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Related Links

http://www.nema.org