• If you have time (and no water in your basement), unplug appliances, such as washers and dryers. Better yet, move them to a higher level if possible. Unplug small appliances, too.
• Do not touch or attempt to unplug or disconnect an electrical appliance if you have to stand in water to do it. Don't even attempt it on a damp floor.
• If you think the water might rise high enough to cover basement electrical outlets, switch off the circuit breakers (or remove the fuses) at the main electrical box. Don't go into the basement if there is water already on the floor.
• Safely turn off all breakers, and unplug all appliances and electronic equipment such as computers, televisions or sensitive electronic equipment in your residence. When you return, turn your breakers on one at a time, and then plug in your electronic equipment.
• If your power is off or disconnected, unplug or turn off all electric appliances and equipment you think were on before your power went out to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Plug your appliances back in and turn on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
• If it appears that water level will reach the main electrical box or your electric meter, notify us, so we can shut off the electrical service to your home completely.
• If you plan to use a standby generator, please use extreme caution, and make sure it is properly installed and maintained.

• In the event of flooding in your basement, it is important to have the natural gas supply to your home disconnected. Contact us to shut off your natural gas service and do not attempt to turn it back on yourself.
• Although it's obvious you can't move your furnace, if you have a natural gas dryer, you may be able to move it to a higher location. However, we urge you to contact a professional to disconnect the natural gas line before you move it.
• Appliance control manufacturers generally recommend that a trained service professional replace all controls that have been submerged in water. Manufacturers warn that these appliance controls will corrode over time, causing valve failure and the potential for dangerous natural gas leaks. Appliance controls are often at the bottom of the appliance, and the appliance itself does not have to be totally submerged in water for appliance controls to be submerged.
• If you smell natural gas, leave the house immediately. Don't turn lights on or off or use any other electrical switches, including garage door openers, under any circumstances. Don't open any windows or doors other than the ones you pass through on your way out. Don't use a cell phone or any other phone while still in the house; go to a neighbor's house or other safe place away from your home to call our gas emergency number at 800-895-2999 for help, or 911 in an emergency.

• Before using any electricity after a flood, have a licensed electrician check the wiring and related equipment to verify the service is safe, as faulty wiring can cause electric shock, fire or even death. The same results could occur when working on electrical appliances while you're standing on a wet floor in bare feet or wet shoes. You also should have a professional inspect and clean electric motors.
• If floodwaters entered your home or business, an electrical inspection must be performed. We will need verification of the inspection before we can restore power to the premise.
• Appliance manufacturers recommend that a trained service professional replace all appliances when controls have been submerged in water. Manufacturers warn that these appliance controls will corrode over time, causing gas valve failure and dangerous natural gas leaks. Appliance controls are often at the bottom of the appliance, and the appliance itself does not have to be submerged for appliance controls to be submerged.
• Do not attempt to turn on any natural gas appliances that were submerged during the flood. Contact a licensed appliance repair person to inspect and repair them. An inspection will be required once equipment has been repaired or replaced.
• Do not attempt to turn your natural gas back on yourself. We will do it for you to ensure your service is safe and reliable. Please notify us if the gas meter was submerged in flood waters, so that the meter can be checked prior to restoring gas service.
• Keep in mind that the owner (if they reside in the dwelling), electrician, or installer must be present at the site to sign an Xcel Energy Electrical Inspection Certificate or Natural Gas Inspection Certificate. 

• If you are using a boat for transportation during a flood, be sure to check the location and height of overhead power lines before launching or taking the boat out of the water.
• NEVER assume a downed power line is dead. If you come across a downed line, leave the area immediately. Warn others to stay away, and immediately call us at 800-895-1999 or call 911.
• If you evacuate your home due to flooding, please notify us.

To request emergency disconnection: 800-895-4999
To request reconnection after inspection (call Builders Call Line): 800-628-2121
Electric emergency/power outage: 800-895-1999
Natural gas emergency/gas odor: 800-895-2999
Customer service: 800-895-4999

• American Red Cross (external link)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (external link)
• Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) (external link)
• Flood.smart.gov (external link)
• National Weather Service (external link)
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety (external link)