Flood-ravaged Fort McMurray residents warned not to use generator ‘to feed their homes’ electrical panel’

Officials with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued an urgent warning on Monday to anyone living without power in the flood-stricken community of Fort McMurray.

“Residents without power, using a generator to feed their homes’ electrical panel, must stop immediately,” the RMWB said in a news release. “These electrical panels are attached to the grid and plugging a generator directly into them energizes the lines, creating a serious safety risk for crews working to restore power and other residents in the area.”

Work by ATCO crews is ongoing to restore power to areas hit hard by flooding late last month, the RMWB said.

“Power meters were shut off for buildings where the electrical system could have been damaged from the flood,” officials said. “An RMWB safety codes officer must inspect these systems before power can be restored.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“If you had water damage to your property, contact a licensed contractor to assess and repair your electrical system prior to requesting an RMWB inspection.”

READ MORE: Fort McMurray flood: Boil water advisory to remain in place until September

For more information on how to clean up after a flood and to learn about what resources are available, click here.

At its peak, this spring’s flooding in Fort McMurray forced about 13,000 people from their homes.

READ MORE: Fort McMurray lifts all flood-related mandatory evacuation orders

All mandatory evacuation orders were lifted by Sunday evening.

Watch below: Some Global News videos about flooding in Fort McMurray in 2020.

1:26 Calgary crews ready to head to Fort McMurray to help in flood cleanup

• Calgary crews ready to head to Fort McMurray to help in flood cleanup
• Fort McMurray boil water advisory in place until September
• Fort McMurray begins flood recovery
• Fort McMurray’s mayor says flooding cleanup is ‘heartbreaking’
• Fort McMurray flood raises risk of COVID-19 infections
• Fort McMurray residents return after flooding
• Fort McMurray beings to clean up as flood waters recede
• Mental health impacts of overcoming a natural disaster

Previous Video

Next Video