Switch on to electrical dangers if you live in a flood-risk area

Living next to a river can certainly be calming, but it may not be without its problems, especially if you live in a flood-risk area.

This means it's important to guard your home against the risk of rising waters, paying particularly close attention to switches and sockets.

According to experts, both electric and gas fixtures, fittings and appliances can pose a real danger if they are exposed to flood waters and so it's imperative that you work with a skilled professional to ensure that these are placed at a reasonable height so as to remain dry when the water rises.

Also, if you know flooding is on the way, it's a good idea to unplug all your electronic appliances, shut off the main gas and electricity supply and, if necessary, secure gas tanks to stop them floating away.

What's more, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA) has warned that, even if your switches and sockets appear to be in good working order after your home has been hit by a flood, you should still call in the professionals as they could be a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

"Moisture, debris and contaminants in flood-damaged equipment or appliances can sometimes be hidden and cause serious risks," the safety body's technical director Greg Paddon advises.

As such, before you start using any electronic appliances after a flood has hit, be sure to call in an expert to carry out a thorough inspect first.

Meanwhile, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, the government's DirectGov website similarly advises that you should make sure any electrical appliance that's been in contact with floodwater is checked out by a qualified electrician, while you should always make sure you wear protective clothing, including a face mask, when you're clearing up after a flood as the water may be contaminated.