Electricity has done wonders for improving the way people live. Nonetheless, there are still several risks that stem from the use of electrical appliances. Electricians note that when electrical systems are properly maintained, home and business owners are much less likely to face an emergency—but even then, they are not immune. Electrical fires and faulty circuits can put your family at risk, so it is important to know beforehand how you should handle these situations if they arise.

How Electricians Recommend Dealing With Electrical Emergencies

Electrical Fire

There are many ways for an electrical fire to start. Some of the most common ones seen by electricians are caused by faulty outlets and appliances, bulbs with a wattage too high for the fixture, misuse of extension cords, space heaters placed too close to combustible surfaces, and outdated wiring. However, you can still take steps to protect your home and family:

• Turn Off the Power: When an electrical fire starts, get to your home’s breaker box and turn off the power to the entire home. If the fire is in its early stages, this will help to stop it. Even if it is not, shutting the power off can reduce the risk of electric shock to anyone trying to put out the fire.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher: In the event of an electrical fire, it’s good to have either a Class C or Class A extinguisher in your home. A Class C extinguisher should be used on fires when you cannot turn off the power source, while Class A, which is water-based, is suitable for when the power is off.
• Call 911 & Leave: After shutting off the power, it is always in your best interest to get out of the home or business. Even if you were able to get the fire out, there is always the chance it can reignite.

Electric Shock

If you witness an electrical shock, do not touch the person who was in direct contact with electricity. Move back at least 20 feet from where the wiring is located and turn off the power immediately if it is not near the area where the shock occurred. After you’ve done this, call for help, and if you have first aid or CPR training, begin administering it to the victim until help arrives.

To minimize the likelihood of an electrical emergency in your home, have a licensed electrician regularly inspect your system and make any necessary repairs. At Always On Electric in Pahoa, HI, their electrical contractors provide 24-hour emergency service and regular repairs and installations to make homes safe. To schedule an appointment, you can call them today at (808) 640-3391. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.