Better to be SAFE than soggy

With flooding a possibility this spring, we urge members to prepare and keep in mind that safety is of the utmost importance. We understand how important it is to keep the power on during flood fighting efforts, but safety is our top concern. Please take the following tips into consideration. If you must leave your residence in a hurry and need your power disconnected, please notify us as soon as possible.

If you are in a flood-prone area, start your preparation plans now.

• Watch the flood forecasts and be ready, stay alert and have an evacuation plan.
• Be familiar with your electrical panel and be prepared to turn off breakers if it can be safely done.
• Members must notify CCEC if their power needs to be turned off. It is important that members do not pull the meter; doing so can be very dangerous. If power must be shut off, turn off your main breaker (if it is safe to do so) and call CCEC to disconnect the service.
• If using a generator, it must be in good working condition and properly connected. A generator should never be used in an enclosed area such as a garage, shop, basement, etc.

Please understand that Cass County Electric will disconnect your service only under the following conditions during a flood:

• At your request, and only if we can do so safely.
• We determine that the home is flooded beyond habitation.
• If it causes imminent danger by leaving the power on.
• Our equipment is flooded and damaged beyond use, and leaving it energized would be hazardous or problematic.

It is important to remember that the North Dakota State Electrical Board requires homes that have water damaged electrical systems be inspected. You’ll need to use extreme caution if your electrical circuits have been exposed to flood water. Those circuits will need to be disconnected in your panel and you will need to call a licensed electrician to repair them once the flood danger has passed. A wiring certificate is required to restore service to any flood-damaged home.

Working on damaged electrical equipment or circuits is extremely dangerous in wet conditions. The safest thing to do is have a licensed electrician set up a temporary electrical service for you. We will then connect our service wire and then you will be free to clean, inspect and repair any damage you may have. If you have any questions at all about what to do, please call us at 701-356-4466 or 701-356-4470.