Water and electricity are a dangerous combination and flooded areas can hide serious electrical hazards. Always stay at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines, damaged electrical equipment, and standing water where electricity may be present. Water conducts electricity, and electrocution in water can be fatal.
If you see a hazardous electrical situation, call us immediately at
Preparing for a Flood
Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help keep you and your family safe.
Before a Flood
Take these steps to prepare your home:
- Disconnect outdoor electrical devices that could become submerged.
- Turn off breakers that supply power to outdoor receptacles.
During a Flood
If water is entering your home:
- disconnect electrical equipment and receptacles in the basement if it is safe to do so
- unplug appliances and turn off breakers only if you can do safely
- never stand in water to operate breakers or electrical equipment
- don’t enter an area where electrical receptacles are under water and appliances are still plugged in
- when using pumps, lights and tools near water, use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electrical shock
- portable generators must be connected to your home’s electrical system properly using a transfer switch, installed by an electrician with the correct permits. Incorrect installation can send electricity back into power lines and create serious hazards for crews working on restoring power. Learn more about the use of generators.
After a Flood
Floodwater can damage electrical equipment, wiring and appliances. Even if electrical equipment looks safe, it may still be dangerous.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire:
- don’t turn the power back on if electrical equipment has been exposed to water
- never reconnect, repair or reuse flood-damaged electrical equipment until it has been inspected or replaced
- have any damaged electrical equipment assessed by a qualified electrical professional
Reconnecting Power After a Flood
If your property was flooded, follow these steps to reconnect power once safe to do so:
- Contact SaskPower at
310-2220 - A licensed Saskatchewan Electrical Contractor must obtain a permit for any flood-damaged property.
- A Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) electrical inspector must inspect the property before power can be restored
If Your Power Was Disconnected as a Precaution
In some cases, we may disconnect your power as a safety measure.
If your property didn’t experience flooding:
- A TSASK electrical inspector will assess the property.
- If it’s safe, power can be restored without requiring an electrical contractor or permit.
Why Power May Be Disconnected During Flooding
If flooding creates unsafe conditions, we may disconnect power to protect the public and our crews.
Flooding can create serious electrical hazards, including electrocution due to damaged electrical equipment, downed power lines and submerged infrastructure.
Power may remain off until the area can be inspected and it’s safe to begin restoration work. Taking this precaution helps protect people and prevents additional damage to the electrical system.
If your area’s power has been disconnected due to flooding, restoration may take longer than a typical outage because electrical equipment must be inspected before it can be safely re-energized.
Stay Away From Dams, Spillways and Reservoirs
Water levels and conditions around our dams, spillways and reservoirs can change quickly and without warning.
Even when the water appears calm, strong currents, unstable shorelines, thin ice and changing water flows can create serious hazards.
Always obey warning signs and barriers, and stay away from the water or ice around SaskPower facilities.
If you’re enjoying water activities outdoors, respect the power of water and put safety first.
