Humboldt Residents Warned of Electrical Risks as Flooding Continues

The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department issued an advisory on January 2, 2026, warning that recent King Tides and heavy rainfall have produced coastal flooding in the Humboldt Bay area. Homes built at low elevations adjacent to the bay, estuaries, rivers and creeks have experienced water intrusion and damage, and officials say floodwater entering residences has revealed a serious risk of electric shock.

Floodwater has reached electrical outlets, wiring and connections beneath and inside homes, along interior and exterior walls, and on appliances such as water heaters. Because electricity can travel through water without visible signs, contact with wet electrical fixtures or devices can be life-threatening. The department specifically calls attention to floor outlets and devices low to the ground, power strips and other plugged appliances, hard-wired systems including ovens, air conditioning and heating units, gas appliances located below grade, and mechanical equipment or water heaters in sub-floor areas and basements as locations of particular concern.

Residents are urged to turn off power to affected outlets or the entire home if electrical fixtures have been exposed to floodwater. Homeowners should identify where circuit breaker panels and any sub-panels are located; these panels can disconnect whole-home power or power to specific circuits or appliances. Knowing how to disconnect appliances and how to shut off gas and water lines can reduce other hazards, because flooding also increases the risk of gas leaks, sewage backups and water contamination.

Structural materials such as subflooring, insulation and wall cavities may be compromised even when damage is not immediately visible. Officials note that mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours after flooding, underscoring the need for prompt assessment and remediation by qualified professionals. The county advises residents to contact electricians, plumbers and HVAC professionals if they suspect electrical or other safety hazards, and to call 9-1-1 for any life-threatening emergencies.

Humboldt County is asking residents and businesses affected by recent flooding to report damages by completing the 2025/2026 Winter Flooding Damage Report Form for the Office of Emergency Services. The form will help OES assess community-level damage; the county cautions that this reporting process does not coordinate individual financial assistance. For ongoing updates and emergency information visit HumboldtGov.org/Emergency, sign up for emergency notifications at Humboldtgov.org/Alerts, and find additional preparedness resources at Humboldtgov.org/Prepare.