Get electrics tested if your home was affected by floods

With the inclement weather still sweeping across the UK, bringing with it severe flooding to many parts of the British Isles, it is vital that householders in flood-affected areas prepare their property for the worst.

Steve Bratt, chief executive of the Electrical Contractors' Association, has given his advice on prepping homes for an influx of escaped water, with a particular focus on electrical safety.

"If floods are threatening your property, unplug all electrical appliances in the lower part of your home, switch off sockets and the main supply. Water and electricity do not mix well," he pointed out.

"During the flood, the main household electricity system should trip upon contact with water, so once the wiring has thoroughly dried out, it may not need to be repaired or replaced. It will, however, need to be tested and lower level socket outlets may still need to be changed."

If you are not sure how to go about checking the electricity supply in your home, it is essential that you call in an expert to look at your electrical consumer unit and wiring, Mr Bratt said. "Electricians who are members of registered trade associations such as the ECA are reliable, fully certified and their work can come with guarantees."

If the wiring needs to be replaced, it might be a good idea to have your sockets and fuse box raised higher off the ground, which could prevent further damage if more flooding was to occur in the future.

Meanwhile, all electrical appliances will need to be tested by a professional to ensure they are fit for use. Failing to get them checked could result in fires or serious electric shocks.

It seems more flooding could be on the way in the south-west of England, where parts of Devon and Cornwall experienced up to 50mm of rainfall in 24 hours over the weekend. The Environment Agency has issued more than 90 flood warnings and 207 flood alerts in the last few days.