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.
Town of Babylon
Residents in the Town of Babylon south of Montauk Highway, including residents in the barrier beach communities, should call 631-957-7466 to schedule an electrical inspection.
The Town of Babylon currently has teams going door to door in flood zones to inspect homes. If you are in a flood zone, your home will be inspected by an electrical inspector at no cost to you. An inspection is necessary because homes in the flood zone may have been exposed to flooding during the recent storm. In order to protect public safety and properties in the flood zone, LIPA cannot re-energize your home until an electrical inspection agency has issued an Authorization to Energize inspection certificate.
Your home will fall into one of three categories:
Green: No flood damage
Red: Catastrophic damage, unsalvageable or uninhabitable
Yellow: Some flooding but structurally sound
Green identified homes can be re-energized as soon as LIPA is capable of doing so.
Red identified homes cannot be re-energized until the homeowner has electrical repairs completed and inspected.
Yellow identified homes must be inspected by an electrical inspection agency.
Electrical inspectors will classify yellow identified homes as follows:
* Electrical service is acceptable, branch wiring unaffected – Home is safe for energizing
* Electrical service acceptable, branch wiring affected – Home will be energized by LIPA, circuit breakers will be turned to off position, homeowner needs to hire licensed electrician immediately to assess and repair branch wiring.
* Electrical service unacceptable – LIPA will lock out meter service tap, homeowner is required to hire a licensed electrician to repair service and any affected branch wiring.
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.
Information provided by Town of Babylon.
Town of Islip
For information on the Town of Islip's process contact (631) 224-5500.