Process to Restore Gas and Electrical Service to Flood Damaged Structures

From Carol Sweeting

July 30, 2008

Process to Restore Gas and Electrical Service to Flood Damaged Structures

ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Hire a Licensed Electrician to:
1. Assess and isolate all electrical work contaminated by the flood. (e.g. In the case of a water contaminated outlet, only the contaminated portion of wire serving the outlet and the outlet need to be replaced.)
• If the Licensed Electrician is unable to identify all the contaminated or damaged electrical work then all circuits shall be disconnected and removed from the electrical panel and "Temporary GFCI Protected" receptacles may be installed for cleaning purposes.
• Electrical work that is contaminated by the flood water will need to be disconnected from the breakers and removed from the panel or clipped at the panel such that they can not be reconnected except by a licensed electrician.
• If the dwellings permanent service equipment (i.e. Meter Sockets, Main Distribution panel etc.) has been contaminated, all contaminated Service Equipment and portions of that equipment will need to be replaced.
o A Temporary Pole can be use provided it is installed as follows:
 Installed by a Licensed Electrician.
 Installed within 5' of the existing electric meter and in line with the utility service lines.
 All outlets installed on the temporary pole will need to be provided with GFCI protection.
2. Call the City of Iowa City Building Inspection Division at 356-5120 for an inspection.

The City inspector will notify Mid American Energy that the electrical service can be restored to the structure.

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GAS SERVICE
Hire a Licensed Plumbing or Mechanical Contractor to:
1. Perform a Gas Pressure Test
a. Disconnect appliances and cap connections
b. Pressurize to a minimum of 10 lbs for 15 minutes
c. Call for an inspection by the Iowa City Building Inspection Dept – 356-5120
2. Connect appliance/appliances that were not subject to flood
3. Call the City of Iowa City Building Inspection Division at 356-5120 for an inspection.

The City inspector will notify Mid American Energy that the gas service can be restored to the structure. Mid American Energy will install the gas meter and connect to the existing piping system if two feet or less of piping is required. If more than two feet is needed a licensed plumber or mechanical contractor will need to install the additional pipe. Mid American Energy will perform a flow test and if the flow test passes they will leave the gas service turned on.

IN ALL CASES THE LICENSED CONTRACTOR WILL NEED TO OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE PERMIT. THE IOWA CITY, CITY COUNCIL HAS WAIVED ALL PERMIT FEES FOR FLOOD DAMAGED STRUCTURES UNTIL JULY 1, 2009, BUT PERMITS WILL STILL NEED TO BE OBTAINED.

Carol Sweeting
Flood Recovery
Iowa City Public Works
Public Information, Education, Volunteer Coordinator
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph. 319-356-5164
Cell 319-541-2385
Fax. 319-356-5007
Carol-Sweeting@iowa-city.org