Be Prepared at Home to Face a Fire, Electrocution, or Power Outage
Everyone should know the proper ways to handle an electrical emergency when they happen. Electrical emergencies can be dangerous. They can cause fires, injuries, and even death if you don’t properly handle them. Before an electrical emergency happens, you should look for signs of increased electrical fire risk. When you do that, you catch the problem before it arises. In this month’s blog, Danny’s Electrical Service Inc. looks at the proper ways to handle an electrical emergency.
Calling 911 for Emergency Help is Always a Good Option for Fires and Electrocution
Cut The Power When a Small Electrical Fire Breaks Out
Electrical problems are a major reason why fires occur in the home. If a current has overloaded your house wiring, it will most likely lead to an electrical fire. Should an electrical fire start when you are home, you have to react quickly. If it’s a large fire, get out of the house and call 911! If the fire is contained to one area, you should cut off the power immediately. Go to the breaker box, and turn the main breaker off.
Use the Fire Extinguisher or a Fire Blanket
You should have a working fire extinguisher in your home. If you have turned the power off, use the fire extinguisher on the fire. If you’re not familiar with using a fire extinguisher or don’t have one, try to put out the fire with a fire blanket. You can only use the fire blanket if you are able to cut the power off. If you aren’t able to put out the fire, leave the house and call 911.
Don’t Touch the Person Suffering from Electrocution
If you or anyone else touches a voltage source, charges will flow from the power source to the ground through your body. When electrocution happens, and it’s not you, act quickly. But the biggest mistake you can make is touching the electrocuted person. If you do so, you’ll suffer electrocution, too. Instead, turn the power off, and call 911. If you’re not able to turn the power off, try to cut contact with the victim and electric source with something wooden. Calling 911 is a good option for any electrical emergency.
Have a Power Outage Kit Available
Power outages can happen at the worst times – on the coldest day in winter or the hottest day in summer. They can even happen after a bad storm. Danny’s Electrical Service Inc. recommends that you try to remain calm at this time. If you have an emergency power outage kit, use it. Your kit should include emergency lights, candles, alternative cooking and heating options, a battery-powered radio, and water. You might want to include a battery-powered cell phone charging station in the kit.
Call Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., at (540) 998-5750, or follow us on Facebook for updates. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses of the New River Valley. Danny’s Electrical Service Inc. can help you with more tips on proper ways to handle an electrical emergency.