How To Safely Handle An Electrical Emergency While Your Electrician Is On The Way | Wilmington, NC
Electrical emergencies can happen to anyone and at any time. No one should take a DIY approach when the unexpected occurs since electricity is a serious safety hazard. It’s advised to leave such issues to professionals with the know-how to handle them.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything in the meantime to save yourself or your loved ones while the electrician is on the way! Knowing what to do and not do in an electrical emergency is crucial to reduce the risks associated with such incidents.
This blog post discusses the most common electrical emergencies and the safety measures to take in each case before your Wilmington, NC, emergency electrician arrives. Keep reading to understand better what to do.
Electrical Fires
According to a research study conducted between 2015 to 2019, there were an average of 1,070 civilian injuries, and 430 civilian deaths reported yearly. The report further revealed that these fires resulted from wiring and other related issues, accounting for six percent of all home fires.
Electrical fires can be caused by faults such as circuit overloads, outdated or poorly-installed wiring, faulty appliances or outlets, or when a flammable object passes near a light bulb. Electrical fires occur instantly and can be spontaneous.
If you experience a burning smell or notice smoke coming out of an outlet, the first thing you’ll want to do is to act swiftly for the safety of your family and property. You might consider doing the following in such circumstances;
- Cut Off the Power Supply
Assuming it’s safe doing so, the first thing to do in case of an electrical fire is to turn off the fire at the switch box as the electrician is en route. This ensures you cut off the power supply in your home completely to stop the fire and minimize the risk of electrocution.
- Evacuate the Building
After cutting off the electricity, assuming there’s no danger in the property, getting your family and pets to a safer place away from the affected area should be your priority as you wait for the electrician to come.
- Call the Fire Brigade
Certainly, any electrical failure resulting in an electrical fire calls for immediate professional attention. However, you must contact emergency services before dialing your electrician in Wilmington, NC. While calling the fire brigade to assist with putting out the fire is necessary, an electrician will help determine the cause of the fire before you can have everything back to normal.
Electrical Shocks
This is another electrical emergency that may require the attention of an experienced electrician. Frayed electrical wires, malfunctioned cords, and damaged outlets can cause contact with electricity. In such an event, you can take the steps below;
- Turn Off the Power Supply
When you suspect potential electrocution, turn off the power as quickly as possible and call the electrical contractor. If you’re far from the circuit breaker, you can try to cut the contact from the electric source using a non-conductor, such as a wooden or plastic rod.
However, this isn’t a remedy for the electrical problem at hand. An electrical service provider must come in to inspect the electrical system and fix any issue that may be there.
- Don’t Touch or Go near the Person Who Has Been Electrocuted!
If someone in your house has been electrocuted, don’t attempt to touch them. You risk being electrocuted as well! Remember, the human body is a good conductor of electricity. So you need to take precautions not to fall victim to electrical shocks by trying to pull a person who’s been electrocuted away from the electric source.
As you await the electrical contractor to come in and diagnose the issue, contact your local emergency medical provider to attend to the victim.
- Unplug all Appliances – Just in case
As long as it’s still safe, after switching off all your electronic devices, you can unplug all the appliances to prevent further harm to you and your family while the electrician is yet to arrive.
Fallen Power Lines
The weather in Wilmington, NC, can be pretty unpredictable at times. One time it’s all calm; the next moment, you’re experiencing unpleasant and harsh weather! Sometimes, strong winds, hail, or storms can bring down your power supply lines, which poses an increased risk of electrocution if someone comes into contact with them. If your power lines are dangling and very close to the property, do the following;
- Stay Away From the Power Line
It would help if you stayed at least 40 feet away from any fallen power line. This is because it may still be alive even if it doesn’t produce any spark, light, or sound. In addition, it would be wise to try to check and not move near anything metal, including fences, vehicles, and typically any conductive material that could threaten safety.
- Don’t Touch any Object in Contact With the Fallen Power Line.
Avoid touching any object in direct contact or near a downed power line. For instance, if it’s a tree. Let the professionals address the matter first!
- Contact your Local Distributor Immediately
In a case of a fallen or dangling power line, you need to inform your local electrical service provider immediately.
Power Outage
A power outage on its own may not be an electrical emergency, except where you’re the only one affected. This may point to a much bigger issue, such as a faulty circuit breaker. In such a scenario, immediate electrical attention may be necessary.
Mister Sparky of Wilmington: Emergency Electrical Providers to Hire
Getting an electrician to install whole-house surge protection and safety switches are the most practical ways to ensure electrical safety. Mister Sparky of Wilmington is ready to be your trusted partner.
Our technicians are licensed to handle all kinds of electrical emergencies. We also offer outdoor lighting and generator installation services. Contact us or request an appointment online for further assistance.