Information for Residents Looking to Restore Power in Areas Flooded by Sandy
November 7, 2012
Homes and other structures within the flood zone are required to have electrical systems inspected before LIPA can safely restore power
Nassau County
Need-to-Know Information for Residents Looking to Restore Power in Areas Flooded by Sandy
Many Nassau residents have questions concerning power restoration in areas that have experienced flooding during Hurricane Sandy. Neighbors want to know whether LIPA, the county, towns or villages are responsible for executing a power restoration plan to homes and other buildings in those “flood zones.”
What’s Happening/Who’s Affected?
As a necessary safety measure to protect homes from extremely serious dangers associated with electrical wiring which has become wet, LIPA has designated geographic areas where flooding was widespread during Hurricane Sandy. Homes and other structures within those areas are required to have electrical systems inspected before LIPA can safely restore power.
The properties affected by the inspection requirement are all structures south of Merrick Road.
How Will My Electrical System Be Checked, Who Will Do the Work?
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano took the pro-active step of partnering with Empire Electrical Inspectors of New York, a private contractor, to assist LIPA in restoring power to homes throughout the County. The contractor will inspect all structures in areas where flooding was widespread. Empire Electrical Inspectors may be reached at 1-855-588-8638.
What If My Electrical System Is Okay?
If a building’s electrical system has not become wet, the private contractor will notify LIPA that electrical power can safely be restored.
What If My Electrical System Is Not Okay?
If an electrical system is determined to have become wet and the system cannot be re-energized safely, the homeowner will need to hire a licensed electrician to make necessary repairs. The electrician will then arrange for a private certified electrical inspector to perform an inspection and issue a certificate of inspection. The inspection agency would then supply a copy of the certificate to LIPA to have power restored.
The Good News—Inspections Are Free
The good news regarding the electrical inspections is that there is no cost to homeowners. Homeowners must only sign a company liability waiver to take advantage of the no-cost inspections.
When Will Inspections Occur?
Hundreds of people working under Empire Electrical Inspectors are going door-to-door now in communities in the areas described above and in other towns. Updated information on the time frame for the contractor to complete work in the town and the entire county will be forthcoming.
What If I'm Not Home When Inspectors Are In My Community?
Empire Electrical Inspectors will leave a tag on your home with a phone number for you to call to setup an appointment for them to revisit your home.
Do I Need Any Government Inspections?
Inspections of electrical systems are being performed by the private contractor. In the event repairs are required, no town inspections are required for direct replacement of electrical components. All repairs must be made by a licensed electrician. Homeowners will need to have a private certified electrical inspector examine repair work and the inspection agency will provide LIPA with an inspection certificate. Once LIPA receives the certificate, power can be restored. A list of licensed electricians can be found below.
Can I Hire A Private Electrician?
Yes, but it will be at your own cost. If you have your home inspected by an electrician on your own (not through County or Town services), the electrician can send the certification directly to LIPA. There are two ways to send this information. Via Fax: (631) 844-3643 or Via Email: servicecert@service.lipower.org.
Information provided by Town of Hempstead.
As per the Town of Babylon website: (http://www.townofbabylon.com/news.cfm?id=566&category=143&searchDate=2012-11-09%2000:00:00.0 )
If you live south of Montauk Highway in the Town of Babylon or in a beach community, please take the following precautions so that power can be restored safely to your home:
Shut off your main breaker.
If any portion of your electrical system has been in contact with floodwaters, or if you're unsure if your electrical system has been in contact with floodwaters, you need to hire a licensed electrical contractor to assess and repair damaged portions of your electrical system before turning your main breaker back on.
If you do not know where your main breaker is, call 311 for assistance.
You are strongly advised to abide by the recommendations listed above. Failure to abide by these recommendations could result in death or serious injury to anyone who occupies your home.
As Per Town of Islip website: (http://www.townofislip-ny.gov/news/news/40/2038-suffolk-county-lipa-amend-previous-policies-regarding-power-resoration)
In a reversal of their previous stance, Suffolk County and LIPA officials are calling for a regeneration of the power grid, without the requirement for homes to be inspected.
Suffolk County and LIPA strongly urge residents to turn off their main breaker before power is restored, and suggest that residents contact a licensed electrician to determine if their electrical systems have sustained irreversible damage from the storm.
For more information about this policy change, please contact LIPA at 1-800-490-0075; or Suffolk County at (631) 852-4900.