Electric Meter

Take a look at your electric meter. You'll notice there is a cable that runs into the meter, and another that runs into the house and connects to your service panel. The meter and cable are usually outdoors and exposed to the elements. The cable enters the house here, through a hole that is then sealed to make it airtight.

It's not unusual for those seals to dry out or crack over time, allowing water to penetrate the service panel. That's what happened in Alexandria, Virginia. But there are ways to keep your service panel dry and functioning correctly:

• Twice a year, inspect the service cables and seals periodically for cracking.
  
• Add silicone caulk or duct putty as needed to keep the seals tight.
  
• Make sure the meter and cables are secure to the home.

If you think water has leaked into your service panel, call an electrician. Better to be sure now...than shocked later.