In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) are offering useful information and guidance to homeowners about the dangers present when water comes in contact with electricity.

A new brochure, "When disaster strikes ... electrical safety in your flood-damaged home," is now available for distribution to communities impacted by flooding. The warnings cover both short- and long-term hazards consumers may encounter when returning to their homes.

To obtain copies of this brochure, submit a request online at https://www.ul.com/katrinafloodwaters

For more information, visit http://www.ul.com/floodwaters or http://www.iaei.org/volunteer/help.htm

In addition to this complimentary brochure, UL is offering to evaluate industrial and commercial equipment that has been water-damaged, or that has been subjected to a reconditioning process. This service is being offered at no cost ONLY to regulatory authorities in the areas affected by hurricanes.

For questions regarding electrical evaluations, contact Chuck Mello in Camas, Wash., by phone at +1-360-817-5578; or by e-mail at Chuck.Mello@us.ul.com. For questions regarding sanitation evaluations, contact Gary Coleman in Research Triangle Park, N.C., by phone at +1-919-549-1732; or by e-mail at Gary.Coleman@us.ul.com.


Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant