How to Properly Handle an Electrical Emergency

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, electricity keeps things running smoothly. It’s the force that powers our gadgets, brightens our homes, and keeps everything ticking. But, let’s face it – electrical hiccups happen, and they can catch us off guard. From flickering lights to mysterious sparks, these moments can be unnerving. That’s why knowing how to tackle electrical emergencies head-on is a superpower we could all use.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the art of handling electrical emergencies properly. You’ll discover the steps to take when your world suddenly goes dark, when outlets decide to throw a sparky tantrum, or when circuits play hard to get.

Let’s get right into it.

Power Outages

A sudden power outage can plunge you into darkness and disrupt your daily routine. When this happens, the first thing to do is to check if your neighbors have also lost power. Doing this can help determine if it’s a general issue or one localized to your home. If it’s a widespread outage, contact your local power provider to report the situation; if not, reach out to your local expert for help.

Pending the time the light goes back on, take note of the following tips:

• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily to preserve food.
• Don’t use candles for illumination, as they can lead to fire hazards.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns to brighten up your home.
• Unplug sensitive electronic devices to prevent power surges when power is restored.
• If it looks like the outage will last a long time, we recommend investing in a backup generator like a portable or standby home generator.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can be particularly dangerous as they can lead to death serious injury, or scarring. An electrical fire can be handled if you know the proper procedure.

First off, if you discover an electrical fire, don’t attempt to extinguish it with water, as water conducts electricity. Instead, use a Class C fire extinguisher if you have one. If you don’t have one, evacuate the premises immediately. Once you’re out, call 911, report the fire, and provide your exact location.

In addition, if it’s safe to do so, and without risking your safety, you can attempt to disconnect power. To do this, you can turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse if it’s specifically related to the electrical appliance. Remember that you must never use your bare hands or any conductive materials while attempting this. Instead, use insulated tools or wear rubber gloves.

Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits can lead to overheating and electrical fires. Don’t know how to spot overloaded circuits? It’s easy! It could indicate an overloaded circuit if you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or a burning smell.

Once you notice these, you should immediately disconnect or unplug some devices from the circuit to reduce the load. A useful rule of thumb to prevent circuit overload is never to use extension cords or adapters as permanent solutions for powering multiple devices.

Be that as it may, if overloading is a recurring issue, consider consulting an electrician to assess and upgrade your electrical system to accommodate your needs.

Electrical Shock

Electrical shocks can happen unexpectedly and range from mild to severe. If someone receives an electrical shock, the first step is to resist the temptation to touch the person while still in contact with the electrical source. Touching them will lead to you being shocked as well.

The next step is to disconnect the power source if it’s safe immediately. This means unplugging a cord, switching off a circuit breaker, or removing a fuse. If you can’t disconnect the power, use a non-conductive object like wood or plastic to move the person away from the electrical source.

Check their breathing and pulse once the person is clear of the electrical source. If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, start CPR if you are trained to do so and or call 911 for medical assistance.

Keep in mind that even if the person seems fine after a mild shock, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Electrical shocks can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Downed Power Lines

Encountering downed power lines can be a life-threatening situation. In fact, it would be wise to always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous.

When you encounter a downed power line, keep a safe distance of around 10 meters and warn others in the area about the danger as well. Afterwards, you should Call 911, report the downed line, and provide the exact location.

If, by chance, your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line, stay inside the vehicle and avoid trying to get out. The reason is that exiting the vehicle can create a path for electricity to travel through you, which is extremely dangerous. To make it out safely from this situation, you should wait for emergency services to arrive and assess the situation.

Conclusion

If you’ve gotten up to this point, you already know how to handle most electrical emergencies. However, this guide is no substitute for professional help.

When the situation ventures beyond your comfort zone, calling in experts like CNA Electric can be the wisest move. With our seasoned experience and dedication to your safety, we are the professionals you can trust to restore the light in your life. Call us at 1-250-816-8884 to get started.