Flood Safety
Attention: for customers currently dealing with serious flooding across the province.
Manitoba Hydro customers requiring information regarding their electric or natural gas service in flood-affected areas of the province should call our emergency number at 1-204-480-5900, or toll free 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376).
Electrical Service
Home and business owners will not have their power disconnected unless:
- property is under water;
- basement is filling with water;
- dike around their home or business has been breached;
- electrical equipment is impacted.
If the home's main electrical panel is on the main level and out of the water, we will not necessarily disconnect power to the residence unless requested by the customer. Electrical service will be provided as long as possible to assist homeowners with flood protection measures. Please review the flood safety-electrical information on this page.
If Manitoba Hydro power facilities become flooded or affected by the flood waters, disruptions to service may occur.
Natural Gas Service
If there is a high risk of overland flooding, natural gas service may be disrupted in affected homes and businesses. If you are unsure whether it is necessary to have your natural gas service to your home shut off, please contact us at the emergency numbers above. Please review the flood safety-natural gas information on this page related to your service and your natural gas appliances.
Flood Safety – Electrical
- Before a flood: Take precautions to safeguard or minimize damage to electrical equipment — e.g. move equipment off the floor (up onto tables) or, even better, to the upper floor(s) of your home.
- During a flood threat or flood: If your basement floods, do not attempt to turn off the main power switch. Contact us to disconnect power at the pole. Stay clear of anything that could conduct an electric current such as metal pipes, metal ladders, and even damp wood.
- After a flood: Even if water is not visible in a building, the interior structure may be soaked and still present an electrical hazard. Do not enter flooded basements or buildings that may contain energized electrical wiring or electrical appliances.
- Before re-entering the premises, contact us to ensure it is safe to do so. Have a qualified electrician inspect all wiring before turning power on.
Electrical Cleanup Procedure
- The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested to ensure the integrity of the insulation.
- Circuit breakers that have been submerged must be replaced. Any circuit breaker removed after being submerged must be destroyed because it may not operate safely.
- Replace all high limit protection devices in heating equipment that has been submerged such as electrical furnaces and water heaters.
- Replace all devices such as receptacles and switches that have been submerged in flood water.
- Do not use any appliance, heating, pressure, or sewage system that has been subjected to flood water until the electrical components of the appliance or system have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Before turning on the power, have a qualified electrician inspect all wiring that has been subjected to flood water. Even if your basement did not suffer water damage, the interior structure may be soaked and can still be a good conductor of electricity.
Flood Safety – Natural Gas
- Preparing for a flood:
- Turn off the manual shut-off valve to each natural gas appliance.
- Shut off or disconnect them from the electrical supply, if applicable.
- To determine if it is necessary to shut off the natural gas service to your home, contact us.
- After a flood:
- If your natural gas appliances have not been flooded, it will be safe to turn on the manual shut-off valves, light pilot lights, and reconnect them to the electrical supply.
- If your natural gas appliances have been flooded, it will be necessary to make arrangements to have a licensed heating contractor inspect them and determine whether they need to be serviced or replaced.
- If we have shut off service during a flood, contact us to re-activate your natural gas service.
