We’ve all faced at least one electrical emergency in our everyday life. It is easy to get tense and panic, but you can control the situation by following some simple steps.
To give you a hand, here is a list of 3 electrical emergencies and their responses.
1. Electrical shock emergency
If electrical outlets or cords are located near water or some home appliances haven’t gone for maintenance for a long time, any person can become a victim of electrical shock. This happens because the human body can conduct electricity.
So, when the current comes in contact, it flows easily throughout the body. It can last for long hours or a few seconds. Electric shock can result in various issues like skin burns, heart attack, or death.
So, to help deal with this electric shock emergency, there are some things that you should keep in mind, including.
● Avoid touching the victim: As the human body is a great conductor of electricity, the current will pass through the victim to you. So, to avoid that, do not touch the person and warn others. If the charge is high, the body’s muscle stops contracting, and the victim becomes unable to let go of the object administering the electricity.
● Stay away from that area: In case of a high voltage shock emergency or sparkling wire, stay far away from the place. Take extra precaution if there is water, as it is an excellent electrical conductor.
● Contact emergency services: Your phone call might save the victim’s life. If you notice an incident, call the emergency services as early as possible. Do provide them with details of the accident and place of occurrence so that the medical team can prepare the instruments on the route.
● Turn off the main powerline to prevent further damage, and use a wooden broomstick to separate the victim from the electric source. You can also use things that are dry and non-conductive, like PVC pipe. Do not move the victim after removing the primary source.
● Use cold water for burns: It will provide the victim with slight relief. Don’t apply dressings tightly. Avoid putting ointments on the burn area.
● Perform CPR if the victim is not breathing: If you know how to perform CPR, do it immediately.
2. Power cut emergency
This is the most common type of electrical emergency. And can happen for many reasons like stormy weather, low voltage, or issues with your home powerline. It can be frustrating and can also damage your home appliances.
Follow the steps to solve this problem quickly.
● Find out the source: Short-circuit or tripped breaker causes these incidents. Reset the circuit breaker. If the problem is not resolved, don’t try to touch the circuit area again.
● Keep a torch handy: This thing is a lifesaver during power cuts or blackouts. Keep it in an easily accessible location. If you have alternative options for heating and other things, use them till the power gets back. A power bank also comes in handy in these situations.
● Turn off the circuit breaker: It will prevent further damage to your home appliances.
● Call the electrician: Contact the electrician and tell them about the problem to seek a quick fix. For a permanent solution, wait till the electrician reaches. Unfortunately, one of my friends based in Melbourne recently faced such a situation. You will be surprised to know they have a dedicated emergency electrician in Melbourne to sort out this kind of issue.
3. Electrical fire emergency
Poor maintenance of the electrical system can cause an electrical fire. Sometimes wires of old appliances can create heat and put your home at risk of fire emergencies. However, there are ways to deal with them, including.
● Use a fire extinguisher: It will stop the fire from spreading around the place.
● Plug out that appliance: In case the fire is caused by any home appliances, just plug it out until you can call an electrician.
Over to you…
Now that you know how to deal with these issues, you can help yourself or others in an electrical emergency. Call the emergency helpline as soon as possible and keep your mind calm.
