Even though we use electricity every day, it’s important not to forget that it comes with plenty of hazards. An electrical emergency can happen at any moment, whether it’s an overloaded circuit or a faulty electrical outlet. It’s important to have a plan in place in case of an electrical emergency and to understand what to do when preparing your home for emergency electrical service.
Emergency Electric Repair Preparation
Your actions after an electrical emergency depend on the type of emergency you’re experiencing. What, exactly, classifies as an electrical emergency? Let’s cover the four common types, as well as how to proceed while waiting for service.
Electrical Fire
Cut the power. If there is an electrical fire in your home, the first thing you need to do is cut the power. You can do this by turning off the switch in your home’s breaker box.
Use appropriate fire extinguishers. A C-class rated fire extinguisher should be used if there is an electrical fire. If the power supply has been cut, you can use an A-class rated fire extinguisher. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you can smother the fire with a blanket or baking soda. Do not use water, which conducts electricity and can result in electrocution.
Call the fire department or electrical service company. The last and most important step is to contact the fire department and electrical service company, then evacuate the premises.
Power Outage
Check and turn off the main source of power. Check and reset your circuit breaker—this may help the power turn back on. Turn off all appliances and anything else that uses a lot of electricity.
Contact your distributor. If nothing changes after resetting your power, then the power outage could be a problem on the distributer’s side.
Safely reset. Once the power turns back on, you can safely turn on all your appliances.
Electrical Shock
Turn off the power. Turn off the power to the part of your house where the electric shock incident took place. If you aren’t near your circuit breaker, then try to cut the contact of electricity from the person connected to it. Do this safely and with something, like a blanket or gloves, covering your skin.
Keep your distance and avoid contact. Do not touch anyone who comes in contact with electricity. If this person is still in contact with electricity, then you will get shocked as well. Keep your distance—at least 20 feet away from the source.
Call 911 and your electrical service company. Calling 911 for help is necessary, no matter how minor the shock seems. Calling an electrical repair service will help identify and resolve where the shock came from.
Fallen Power Lines
Keep your distance. Stay at least 40 feet away from fallen power lines and everything they touch.
Don’t touch anything in the area. Do not touch any trees surrounding the power lines. Living wood contains water, which conducts electricity. Don’t touch any water, metal, or other fallen materials from or around the power lines.
Contact the authorities and your electrical service provider. Contact your local authorities and electrical repair service for help taking care of this situation.
Preparing Your Home for Service
If you are expecting emergency electrical service at your home, there are a few things you can do to make the electrician’s visit a smoother experience. Clean the area where they will be working, moving tripping hazards out of the way. Check for water leaks and communicate them clearly to your electrician. Before they leave, talk with your electrician about any concerns and recommended future repairs. Nies Electric provides emergency electrical service to homes and businesses in Central Minnesota. We are a full-service contractor and can take care of all your electrical needs. Contact us today, or learn more on our blog.
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