🌊 Flood Electrical Safety: FAQ

With the recent floods in our beautiful hometown Monmouth, our town has faced some of the worst flooding we’ve ever seen. Homes, businesses, and community spaces have all been affected, and we know many of you are still dealing with the aftermath.

As your local electrical team, we’ve been out every day helping where we can—restoring power, carrying out free safety checks, and giving advice.

We’ve put together this FAQ to answer the questions we’re hearing most often, and to help you understand what’s safe, what isn’t, and why some electrical work simply can’t be rushed.

1. My sockets/fuse box were underwater. What should I do?

If any electrical equipment was submerged, do not switch it on. It must be inspected by a qualified electrician. Water inside wiring or components can cause hidden damage.

2. Why can’t my power be restored yet?

If your home or business is still very damp, it can be unsafe to re-energise the electrical system. Moisture inside walls, insulation, and wiring can cause short circuits.

We can only reconnect safely once things have dried out enough to properly test the system.

3. How long does a property need to dry before it’s safe to check or restore power?

Drying time varies depending on how high the water reached, ventilation, and materials. Some homes take days, others weeks.

We’ll keep checking in, and as soon as your property reaches a safe moisture level, we can begin assessments.

4. Can I use heaters or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying?

If you have safe, unaffected power (or generators placed safely outside), you can use them—but don’t plug anything into flood-affected sockets.

If you’re unsure which circuits are safe, wait for us to check first.

5. Is it safe to turn the power back on myself once things “look dry”?

No—surfaces can appear dry while wiring, insulation, and internal components are still wet. Always wait for a professional inspection.

6. What if my neighbours have power restored but I don’t?

Every property is affected differently. Some have more water damage behind walls or in fuse boxes.

We’re working through homes as quickly and safely as possible.

7. Can I use an extension lead from a neighbour or generator to power essentials?

It can be safe if done correctly, but generators must be outdoors and extension leads must stay away from water.

If you’re unsure, ask us—we’ll guide you before you plug anything in.

8. Do appliances that got wet need replacing?

Most appliances that were submerged are unsafe to use until checked.

Some may dry out and test fine; others may need repair or replacement. We’ll advise case-by-case.

9. What electrical equipment is usually damaged in floods?

Common affected items include:

• sockets and switches

• fuse boards/consumer units

• wiring behind walls

• under-floor cabling

• boilers/heat pumps (electrical components)

• ovens, washing machines, fridges

Anything that got wet should be checked professionally.

10. How can I stay safe while waiting?

• Keep clear of any wet electrical equipment

• Don’t use damaged sockets

• Keep children and pets away from flood-affected areas

• Report any sparks, smells, or buzzing immediately

• If in doubt, switch off the main power and wait for guidance

11. What are you (the electrical company) doing to help?

Our team:

• Daniel Tucker - Lead Electrician (for WES, that’s us!) and Watch Manager of Monmouth Fire Station and fire fighter

• Mark Bailey - Lead Electrician for Wye Electrical Solutions

• Elizabeth Sharpe-Tucker - Office Manager of Wye Electrical Solutions and local fire fighter

What we’re offering to people affected:

• offering free safety checks (to see what can be done), disclaimer: this is a free safety check however, this does not include any remedial work as this will need to be booked in via our office and costs will apply through insurance claims or otherwise

• working property by property in priority order

• updating people as soon as re-connection is possible

• committed to restoring power safely, not just quickly

12. When will things get back to normal?

Flood recovery takes time. Electrical systems must be safe before they’re powered.

We know it’s frustrating, but safety comes first—and we’re here with you every step of the way.

Update: ✨Current Clients✨

We are trying our very best to maintain current commitments however, we are dedicated to the Flood Relief Efforts here in our hometown, Monmouth so ask that you bear with us if there are any delays with appointments or slight changes in timing’s.

We are working our hardest ⚡️

For any other flooding information or support, please go to: www.monmouthaid.co.uk

Alternatively, you can go to our website and make an enquiry: https://www.w-es.co.uk/contact

Or simply give us a call on 01600 712737 ☎️

Email: info@w-es.co.uk

Website: www.w-es.co.uk

Thank you! - Wye Electrical Solutions

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