With some areas of the province facing the impact of severe flooding, SaskPower is warning customers of the dangers associated with operating electrical and gas appliances and equipment that have been exposed to flood waters.
It can be extremely dangerous to reuse electrical equipment or relight gas appliances that have been submerged in water. Although the water damage and sewage contamination may not be readily apparent, it can be hazardous to operate the equipment and appliances.
In areas where safety concerns were an issue, the electrical service to residences has been disconnected. To reconnect service, customers require a permit from a licensed Saskatchewan electrical contractor and a SaskPower electrical inspector must check the property to ensure it is safe.
Similarly, furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances exposed to flood water must be checked by a licensed gas contractor before use. If gas appliances need to be replaced or serviced, a permit must be issued and the work must be done by a licensed contractor. Permits ensure contractors are authorized to do the work and the inspection ensures the work has been done safely.
While customers can obtain their own electrical permits if they are qualified to do the work themselves, only licensed gas contractors can request a permit for new gas installations and changes to existing lines and equipment.
For electrical emergencies, including electrical disconnects, call SaskPower at 310-2220. For information on service reconnections, contact the SaskPower Flood Information Line at 1-877-585-3395. More information about restoring service after a flood is available on the SaskPower website at www.saskpower.com/safety.
