Flood Information

We know it’s tempting to rush into cleanup mode. But it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation first. Not doing so could put you at risk of electric shock and could even prove fatal.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

• If you’ve got standing water in your home, make sure OPPD or a licensed electrician removes your home’s electrical meter from its socket. This is the only way to ensure the electricity flow to your home is completely cut off.
• Don’t assume your circuit breaker will protect you. If it’s been damaged by water, or is malfunctioning for some reason, it will not trip.
• Even after your home is disconnected, do not go back inside alone. It’s best to use the “buddy system” when you are walking in a water-logged area, especially a basement. It’s dark and may be slippery. And you may find yourself in need of help.
• Use a portable gas-powered generator for powering dewatering pumps when electrical safety is in question.
• When you’re able to pump the water out, you can assess the damage. Any electrical equipment impacted by the water will need to be inspected by a qualified professional and most likely need to be repaired or replaced. This includes lights, switches, outlets, motors, fuse boxes and fuses, circuit boards, wires, and cables.
• Check with a heating/cooling contractor to see if your heating and cooling equipment can be salvaged.
• Avoid standing water and floodwaters. They may contain sewage and other chemicals and materials that could make you sick. The water may also be touching downed power lines, causing electrocution. Such waters also contain sharp debris.
• Caution should also be used when handling items that have been in contact with floodwater.
• It’s a good idea to contact your health provider to check on the status of your tetanus vaccine. It is recommended that adults receive a booster every 10 years.

Yes, as long as you do so safely. Please follow safety and manufacturer’s guidance including:

• The total electric load on your generator must not exceed the manufacturer’s rating.
• Portable generators are designed for connection only to smaller selected appliances or lamps. They should NEVER be connected directly to a building’s wiring system or meter socket.
• Portable generators should be kept outside during use to ensure the exhaust will vent safely. (Use of a generator in an enclosed area may cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or other harmful exhaust gases.)
• ALWAYS wait for the generator to cool down prior to refueling and NEVER refuel equipment while running.

Every situation is unique. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for advice. Your local emergency management agency can also provide health and safety information related to flooding impacts to a home. Do not attempt to disconnect power on your own. This can only be done by a licensed electrical contractor.

• To request disconnection, contact OPPD directly at 402-536-4131 or toll-free at 1-877-536-4131.
• Customers who would like to disconnect power due to flooding should be aware that they will be subject to a reconnect process, which includes an inspection.
• If OPPD cannot access a particular customer due to floodwaters or damaged roadways, the order to disconnect will be cancelled. If that should occur, power will remain on until OPPD is directed by the emergency management agency for that county. This is for everyone’s safety.
• In the case a customer’s home is destroyed by flooding and the customer wishes to cancel service entirely, OPPD can end service as of the last meter reading.

• Customers must obtain an inspection prior to reconnection of electric service to ensure safety for all involved. This is required by local and state permitting authorities.
• To locate the appropriate inspection agency for your property, visit the Nebraska Electrical Division’s city and municipal government directory. If your local town or community is not listed, see the state electrical inspector directory for your area.
• Customers can also find phone numbers for the inspection and permitting agencies in their area here.
• OPPD will not charge customers displaced by flooding to re-establish service if they are reconnecting within 12 months.

• Area inspection agencies have determined that properties that may have lost power due to concerns of flooding or were shut off due to the power line design will have an inspection. They will send reports to OPPD even if no repairs are required with an authorization that power can be reconnected.
• A list of electrical inspectors can be found on the state’s website.
• If you are under the jurisdiction of a county or municipal electrical inspection program, you need to contact that jurisdiction.

They are not allowed to enter any area that has not been properly released from flood designation or approved by the proper authority.

• The state’s guidelines tell us that if the property is your principal residence, then the answer is “yes.”
• When filing for a permit, the homeowner will need to complete the homeowner verification form and send it in with a permit.
• If the property is a commercial property or a weekend home or rental property, an electrical contractor licensed in the state of Nebraska will have to perform the work and file the necessary permit application.

Some of the electrical inspection and permitting agencies have web-based tools.

• Response times vary by inspection agency.
• They ask that you try to be patient. The inspectors will have a large workload and will do their best to keep up with requests.

• It’s hard to say before the inspection occurs. Every situation is unique.
• Electrical devices and equipment that were below the high flood waterline will likely need to be repaired or replaced.