Electrical problems are usually minor but it is the situations that turn them into electrical emergencies. In such cases, it is important to react immediately and smartly since electrical emergency can pose serious risks to you and your family.

Types of Electrical Emergency

There are typically 4 types of electrical emergency:

  1. Power outages

  2. Electrical Fire

  3. Electrical Shocks

  4. Fallen power lines

We are mentioning everything that must be done in each case to help you stay safe and troubleshoot the problem before anything serious happens. Read on.

Power Outage

Power outages are the most common emergency also known as power failures or blackouts. Power outages can occur due to a range of reasons such as a downed power line, a storm, shortage of energy, etc. and can not only be irritating but also highly dangerous. Hence, here are things you must do in case of a power outage:

  1. Turn Off the Main Power Source

    Turn off the main power to all cooling and heating appliances that are powered through the circuit breaker. Make sure that you turn the branches off before the main circuit breaker. This way, you will be able to make sure that all the appliances are protected when the power is turned off after the electrical emergency.

  2. Check the Source

    Sometimes the power outage in your home could be due to a tripped circuit breaker. Circuit breakers often get tripped when an outlet is overloaded. So check for too many appliances plugged into a single outlet or extension. If that’s the case, remove the appliances and distribute the load once the power is back to keep the circuit breaker from tripping.

  3. Check for Damaged Wiring or Breaker

    If the blackout isn’t due to a circuit overload, it may be due to some faulty wiring. So, check the wiring for wear and tear. If that’s not the case, the outage may be the result of voltage fluctuations or some problem in the breaker itself. To be sure, call an electrician since resetting the circuit breaker without training could be difficult.

  4. Contact Your Distributor

    When you’re sure that the problem is on the distributor’s end, give them a call to check if they are doing something about the outage. Sometimes, the blackout can last for several hours. So, it’s better to be prepared.

  5. Reset Safely

    When power returns, wait a few minutes before turning on your home appliances since the energy fluctuations can damage them. Make sure that you turn on the breaker first.

Electrical Fire

Electrical fires are caused by overloading, faulty or exposed wiring or when flammable objects are placed near a light bulb. In case of an electrical fire, follow these 4 steps:

  1. Cut the Power Supply

    The very first thing to do in case of an electrical fire is to cut the power supply at the source. Flip the switch on your home’s circuit breaker box and cut the supply. This will stop the fire on time and reduce the risk of shocks if you are trying to put out the fire.

  2. Use a Fire Extinguisher to Put Out the Fire

    In case of an electrical fire, you should only be using a fire extinguisher that is rated Class-C. If the power supply has been cut, you can use a water-based fire extinguisher which is Class A. Continue dispersing the chemical until the fire has been put out completely.

  3. Call the Fire Brigade Immediately

    Call the fire brigade in case of electrical fires, even after you manage to put it out. Smoldering objects can still catch fire if you were unable to cut the power supply at the source.

  4. Evacuate the Site

    If you cannot control the fire, exit the building as soon as possible and call the local authorities. In case your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Always stay close to the ground and avoid exhaling the smoke.

Electrical Shocks

When electrical wires are frayed, cords are damaged, or outlets go unchecked, contact with electricity happens. In the case of Electrical Shock

  1. Turn off the Power Supply

    As soon as you become aware of the electrocution, turn off the power as quickly as you can. And if you are not close to the circuit, try and cut the contact between the electrical source and the person using an insulated item like a wooden rod or a PVC pipe.

  2. Don’t Touch the Person who has received an Electric Shock

    If someone is in direct contact with electricity, do not touch them under any circumstances. Stay calm and away.

  3. Call Your Local Emergency Service

    Call 911 for help in case of an electrical hazard. Meanwhile, if you have received CPR or first aid training, administer it. And if you are not trained, the 911 operator will give you the necessary directions until the responder reaches.

  4. Unplug the Appliance Immediately

    As soon as a power outage occurs, turn off the branch circuits and the main breaker. This will cut off the power supply to all appliances and electronic devices and ensure electrical safety

    5. Fallen Power Lines

    Fallen power lines pose a serious threat to life and property and so they should be dealt with extreme caution. If you are in close proximity to a fallen power line, follow these 3 steps:

    1. Stay at Least 40 Feet Away

      A fallen line may be live even if it does not give off sounds, sparks, and lights. To avoid any mishap, maintain a distance of at least 40 feet from the power line. Also check for any metal fences, fallen limbs, puddles or vehicles that could act as conductive materials and pose an electrical hazard.

    2. Don’t Touch Any Object or Tree That is in Contact With the Fallen Power Line

      Trees that are in contact with fallen power lines can be conductive. Even if you are not sure if the power line is live, avoid any contact with electrical materials that are touching the tree or surrounding it.

    3. Contact the Local Authorities Immediately

      If you notice a dangling or downed power line, immediately bring it to the notice of your local power distributor that is in charge of these power lines.

    To ensure electrical safety at home, cover all the outlets with surge protectors and install safety switches to monitor the flow of current. Hire an electrician for installations and repairs to prevent electrical hazards. At D & F Liquidator, we stock a vast inventory of electrical materials and safety supplies that minimize the risk of electrical hazards. Call (800) 458-9600 to connect with our sales professionals.