After a leak or flood, electronics are both at risk and a hazard. Water in a power strip, appliance or outlet can energize a puddle, and plugging in a wet device can ruin it and start a fire.
This guide is for Rosedale, NY households. The rule of thumb is to put your own safety ahead of the device. If you are unsure, leave it alone and call a licensed electrician, and call our line for the water itself, as in water extraction or appliance leak cleanup.
Electronics and water: safe order of steps
Follow this order, and stop if any step is unsafe.
Do this first, in this order
- Do not enter water to reach a plug or the panel.
- If the panel is on dry ground and you can reach it dry, turn off power to the wet area.
- If water is near the panel or outlets, stay out and call your electric utility or 911.
- Once power is off and the area is safe, unplug devices with dry hands.
- Move devices to a dry place and do not turn them on.
Do not try to dry electronics with a hair dryer or oven.
Why wet electronics should stay off
Water carries minerals that conduct electricity and corrode circuits. A device that appears dry can still have moisture on the board, and turning it on can short it. Many devices can be saved if they are opened and cleaned by a repair professional before power is applied.
Laptops, phones and game consoles are often repairable if you stop using them at once. Large appliances, TVs and anything that was submerged should be checked by a technician before use.
Need the water dealt with?
Call and we start the plan.
Common devices after water exposure
This is general guidance, not a repair manual.
| Device | Immediate action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | Power off, do not charge | Take to a repair shop |
| Laptop | Unplug, remove battery if possible | Do not open lid to dry |
| Power strip or extension cord | Discard if wet | Wet strips can short |
| TV or appliance | Keep unplugged, call a technician | May hide moisture inside |
| Hard drives | Do not power on | A recovery service may help with data |
Guidance on drying a room safely
Power stays off until the area is safe, then drying guidance applies. The EPA suggests a 24 to 48 hour window for wet materials, and professionals follow the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard.
Backing up data and documenting for a claim
If a device is working, back it up now. For devices that are not, take photographs of each item and its model number for your claim. The DFS advises a detailed inventory with receipts or other proof of value and keeping damaged property until a settlement.
If you have a dated receipt or a photo of the item before the damage, keep it with the inventory.
After the power is safe
Once the electrical hazard has been dealt with, take stock. Make a list of every device that was near the water, even if it looks fine. Devices that were plugged in when the water arrived are at higher risk than those that were off and elevated.
Use that list for your claim. Include make, model, age and approximate value. Photos of labels and serial numbers make replacements easier to document.
Surge protectors, batteries and cords
Replace power strips and extension cords that got wet rather than trying to dry them. Lithium batteries that were submerged should be handled carefully and taken to a proper recycling point, because damaged cells can overheat.
Do not charge a swollen or hot battery. If a device feels warm, smells strange or hisses, move away from it and call for help.
Appliances and built-in systems
Furnaces, water heaters, washers and dryers can all be affected when water rises. Do not run an appliance that sat in water until a qualified technician has checked it. Gas appliances in particular need professional inspection. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the utility from outside.
Teaching the household
Make sure everyone knows the rule of staying out of water near outlets, cords and appliances. Children and guests may not understand the risk. A quick talk and a note by the panel with shutoff instructions can prevent an accident.
Key points to remember
Remember the order.
- Your safety comes before any device.
- Turn off power only if you can do so dry and safely.
- Call the utility or 911 if water is near the panel.
- Leave wet devices off.
- Replace wet cords and strips.
- Photograph and list items for your claim.
Notes for Rosedale and Lawrence
The Village of Lawrence flood page advises that if a flood is coming, you should shut off gas and electricity and move valuables to higher levels, and that warning may be brief, so prepare a checklist in advance. For Queens homes in Rosedale and Cambria Heights, call your electric utility for any electrical hazard before entering a flooded area.
If you are in Lawrence, the Village Building Department licenses electricians who work in the Village, so ask for that license before hiring for repairs.
Common questions
Can I turn on a device that got splashed?
Only if it is clearly dry inside. When in doubt, leave it off and have a technician check it.
Is rice a good fix for a wet phone?
Rice does not remove moisture from the board. Power the phone off and take it to a repair shop.
Who should I call if water reached my panel in Rosedale?
Call your electric utility or 911 and stay out of the area.
Will insurance cover electronics?
Possibly, depending on cause and policy. Make an inventory and ask your insurer.
Need help now?
Our line is open around the clock.