While we all hope it never happens, electrical emergencies are can happen at any time, and people need to be prepared to handle them. Here are some common electrical emergencies and what you can do in case they occur.
Electrical Fires
One of the first rules of electrical fires is to never attempt to put them out with water, which conducts electricity and it can put you at risk for being shocked. Instead, use a Class C fire extinguisher, which is designed to put out electrical fires.
If the fire starts getting out of control, immediately call 911 and evacuate the home.
Wire Damage
Frayed wires, excessive heat around outlets or appliances, constantly resetting your circuit breakers or hearing noises coming from outlets are all signs that your home may have dangerous wire damage. Getting wire damage repaired as soon as possible will keep your home safer by preventing electrical fires and protecting your appliances.
Electricity Outage
Electrical outages can be an annoyance, and on an average day, many people don’t necessarily consider it an “emergency.” But when there are dangerous temperatures, extreme weather or important medical equipment in the home, electrical outages can quickly become dangerous.
The first thing you should do is report the outage to your power company and turn off all major appliances and lights. This will help the power company restore power faster and protect your home from power fluctuations.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to hold in the cold air longer. Depending on how long the power is out, your food may need to be replaced.
When power has been restored to your home, slowly turn on your lights and appliances one at a time to prevent surges. Purchasing surge protectors can help protect your appliances from overloads, and a standby generator can protect you during long outages.
Know What To Do In Cases Of Electric Shock
If someone touches a live wire and suffers from electric shock, the first thing to remember is not to touch them if they are still in contact with an active current. Doing so could result in you getting shocked as well.
If possible, turn off the power and avoid water. Move the person away from the current with a non-conductor, like a piece of wood or a rope. Check their breathing and heart rate, and call emergency medical services and the power company immediately.
Call A Professional Electrician
Your safety is our top priority. Experienced electricians here at Grasser Electric can be reached 24/7 to help you with a variety of electrical emergencies. We will also educate you about the electrical systems in your home and how to perform basic tasks, such as resetting your circuit breaker and shutting off the power in your home if needed.
