The electric grid powers our homes, workplaces, and gadgets every day. It’s easy to be convenient with electricity, but it’s also dangerous. Electrical emergencies happen often, and knowing how to react confidently is essential to our well-being. In this blog, you’ll learn how to understand common electrical hazards as well as when and how to seek professional help.
Recognising an Electrical Emergency
Smoke or a burning odour coming from an outlet or any other electrical equipment, flickering lights, and frequent power surges are signs of an electrical emergency. Similarly, buzzing or crackling sounds could also mean an electrical problem. These sounds could suggest loose connections or bad wiring, so don’t ignore them.
Immediate Actions to Take
Keep calm and assess the situation if you encounter an electrical emergency. Panicking just makes it worse and prevents you from thinking clearly.
- Shutting off the power
If you have an electrical emergency and need to turn off all the power in your house, you should know the location of the main panel and circuit breakers so that you can act quickly in case of an emergency.
- Calling emergency services
In an electrical emergency, dial the emergency number 000 or 112 (for mobile phones running on GSM frequency bands), right away. Talk to emergency services clearly and concisely about your location, the nature of the emergency, and any visible hazards. Call Positive Vibes Electrical and our licenced and highly experienced electricians will help you deal with the electrical emergency you are facing quickly.
Dealing with shock
When someone gets an electric shock, check whether the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing. Remove the person carefully from the source of electricity.
- Providing first aid for an electric shock
The first thing you should do when someone gets an electric shock is to run cool water over the affected area for at least 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. As soon as you wait for medical assistance, cover any burns with a clean cloth or sterile dressing if they occur.
- Knowing when to perform CPR
You should do CPR right away if someone is electrocuted and has no signs of breathing. Check for a pulse, and if there is none, start chest compressions at 100–120 compressions a minute. It’s critical to keep doing CPR until emergency medical assistance comes.
Handling electrical fires
You need to stay calm and composed in the event of an electrical fire. Turn off the power by turning off the main switch or unplugging the appliance if it’s safe. If the fire is small and can be contained safely, you can use a Class C fire extinguisher specifically designed for electrical fires to stop the flow of electricity and prevent it from spreading.
Evacuation procedures
It’s important to let others in the vicinity know about the emergency situation and direct them towards evacuation routes. Avoid elevators when evacuating since they may malfunction during power outages. The stairs are safer and more reliable, so take them instead.
Conclusion
Knowing potential hazards and knowing how to watch for signs of an electrical emergency will help you take immediate action. Any electrical emergency should start with shutting off the power and calling emergency services. You can also save lives by knowing how to handle shock and giving first aid or CPR. It’s important to know how to handle electrical emergencies. Follow these tips and safety precautions, and you’ll stay safe. Call Positive Vibes Electrical, and our trained electricians will help you to deal with any electrical emergency.
