LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

If Your Electric Equipment is Damaged

RETURNING HOME OR TO A BUSINESS

• If electrical equipment has been wet or is near water, turn off the power at the main breaker.
• Do not enter water to access the main switch; call an electrician to turn it off.
• Do not turn electrical equipment back on until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Stay clear of downed power lines. Puddles of water contacting downed lines are just as dangerous.
• If power has been lost, make sure all appliances are turned off. If left on, they could pose fire hazards when the power is restored.
• Do not use candles as an alternative light source.
• Throw out wet or warm food.
• Consult a healthcare provider before using any temperature-controlled medications.

VISUALLY INSPECT ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT CONNECTED AT YOUR LOCATION

This includes the weatherhead, the riser conduit that covers the wires, and the meter can. If damaged, contact a licensed electrician to make repairs. If flood or rainwater has seeped into the walls around electrical wiring, a licensed electrician should inspect to determine potential damage.

Once repaired, your electric system must be inspected by local government officials before power can be restored.

WHO REPAIRS WHAT

Inspect damage to the home or business as a result of the storm. It is essential to understand what LCEC can repair and what must be repaired by an electrician.

LCEC REPAIRS

• Infrastructure leading to the service drop
• Service drop – the wires running from the pole to the home
• Electric meter – the device measuring electricity

CUSTOMER REPAIRS

• Weather head – where the electric lines connect to the home service drop; the wire extending from the weather head to the meter and from the meter to the fuse box or circuit breaker
• Meter can – the box the electric meter is mounted in
• Fuse box and circuit breaker box – the service panel housing fuses or circuit breaker
• Wiring – the interior wiring that moves electricity through the home

Restoring power to damaged facilities could cause a fire.