Electrical emergencies can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not handled correctly. While it’s impossible to completely prevent them, you can take steps to minimize the risk and stay safe if one occurs. Knowing what to do can help protect you from potential harm and keep you from making a bad situation worse.
1. Stay Calm
In many ways, electrical emergencies are similar to other types of emergencies. However, there is one key difference: You don’t have much control over the situation. As such, you’ll have to take a step back and remain calm to avoid making the situation worse. You’ll have to remain calm even if you’re scared or if other people are panicking. Doing so can help you make the right decisions. Remember that your actions and reactions can put you and others in danger. Panicking will impair your judgment, causing you to make rash decisions that could lead to further injury or property damage.
2. Shut Off the Power
After you’ve made sure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way, the first step in handling the situation is to shut off the power. This prevents the situation from getting worse and helps prevent further damage. Consider having standby generators like a whole house standby generator as a long-term solution to ensure your safety.
Keep in mind that, at times, shutting the power off may not be as easy as flipping a switch. In some cases, you’ll be required to do that manually. If that’s the case, it’s best to contact and wait for Dawson's Electric professionals. For electrical emergencies, you should call for help as soon as you can.
3. Avoid Water
During an electrical emergency in Fuquay-Varina, NC, you’ll want to avoid water at all costs. If there’s flooding in your home, don’t attempt to go inside. Instead, wait for emergency responders to come and clear the area for you. If you come into contact with water during an electrical emergency, you could end up being electrocuted. If you have to walk through water, be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes to reduce the risk of shock. You should also avoid touching anything that’s come into contact with water.
4. Use the Right Safety Gear
If you have to move around, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right safety gear. In addition to rubber-soled shoes, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt can provide added protection. If you have one in your home, you also want to grab your first aid kit in case you or those around you have any injuries that need to be treated. In some cases, you may need to call for medical assistance.
5. Don’t Touch Anything Electrical
If you see electrical damage, do not attempt to touch the damaged area. Doing so could lead to an electrical shock. If you see sparks or an open electrical circuit, you should evacuate the area as soon as possible. If you can’t evacuate, keep as much distance as possible between yourself and the electrical source. If a circuit breaker trips during an electrical emergency, don’t reset it. Instead, wait for the electrician to come out and reset it. Trying to reset it yourself could lead to serious injury.
6. Unplug Appliances
If possible, unplug appliances that are connected to the damaged power source to reduce the risk of electrocution. For example, if a tree falls and breaks the power line and there’s a refrigerator still plugged in, the refrigerator may become damaged due to the power interruption. If it’s possible, unplug it to reduce the risk of damage and electrocution. You should also keep children and pets away from these appliances.
7. Call for Professional Help
If you ever have an electrical emergency in Fuquay-Varina, NC, don’t try to rectify the issue on your own. Instead, call for professional help from a reputable service provider such as Dawson's Electric as soon as possible. While it’s important to be prepared, don’t try to handle an electrical emergency without the proper training and the necessary tools. Waiting for a professional makes the situation safer for everyone involved.
Since 2005, the team of experts at Dawson's Electric has been providing reliable and quality services to residents in Fuquay-Varina, NC and surrounding communities. Our licensed electricians are well-equipped with knowledge and tools to tackle any electrical issue that might arise. Moreover, the affordability of our services is unmatched. Aside from handling electrical emergencies, we also perform electrical panel and whole home generator installation and repairs. We are your go-to company for surge protection and EV charging station services. We also install and repair lighting fixtures.
Contact Dawson's Electric for prompt electrical services in and around Fuquay-Varina, NC.
