It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to electricity!
You never know when you might run into an electrical problem and it’s great to know what you should do in case of an emergency.
Use these tips to ensure your safety:
1. Keep An Electrician’s Phone Number Handy
In the case of a power outage, you don’t want to be forced to look for an electrician’s number in a phone book with a flashlight in your hand.
Instead, program an electrician’s phone number in your mobile phone. Share it with your family members too. If you happen to be in Wisconsin, we encourage you to program Red Barn Service's number, as we are always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our number is (715) 201-3407 or you can find more information about us here.
2. Have A Fire Extinguisher In Your House
Electrical fires can appear as a result of faulty electrical systems, tangled wires and so on.
Having a fire extinguisher handy can help you minimize the danger quickly. Make sure you know how to use it and keep it up to date.
Fire extinguishers come in various sizes and shapes. The best ones for extinguishing electrical fires are:
Carbon dioxide extinguishers
Ammonium phosphate extinguishers
Sodium and potassium bicarbonate extinguishers
Make sure that you read the instructions manual and instruct your family members on how to use one, if possible.
3. Don’t Touch An Electrocuted Person
Electrical shocks are very dangerous.
They can happen if a person touches a faulty electrical appliance such as a toaster, microwave oven, or fridge.
In the case of electrical shock, don’t touch the person, because you can get electrocuted too.
Instead, cut off the main power supply from the power switch board. Safely position the injured person on the ground and call an ambulance.
Make sure that the injured person is standing still as movements can worsen his/her situation.
4. Don’t Touch Fallen Power Lines
Fallen power lines can be the result of a powerful storm.
They might also be caused by tree branches falling on them.
Remember that there is still electrical current passing through these lines. Under no circumstance should you touch them or go near them. Instruct others to do the same.
If someone got injured, call an ambulance and lay the person on the ground until the paramedics arrive.
Call the local electrical company and inform them about the fallen power lines.
5. Stop The Electrical Supply If Appliances Release Smoke
Faulty electrical equipment can release smoke sometimes.
This might happen because plastic components get burned. You might encounter this situation with light switches, toasters, microwave ovens, etc.
If you sense smoke, don’t touch the appliance. You should immediately stop the electrical supply from the main switchboard.
Once you have done that, safely unplug the appliance from the power outlet.
Restore power from the switchboard and call an electrician immediately. The power outlet which caused the electrical problem needs to be inspected immediately.
6. Don’t Touch Cables Which Caught Fire
Tangled wires might cause electrical fires, especially if the electrical system is faulty or outdated.
If you sense a burning smell in your house emanating from around a power outlet, it might be caused by tangled wires.
Cut off the power supply immediately from the switchboard. Make sure that neither you or your family members touch the wires. Call an electrician to inspect the damages and replace the cables.
7. Unplug Appliances In Case Of Power Outage
Power outages might happen from time to time.
They usually occur during storms.
It’s important to remain calm, especially if the power goes out in your entire neighborhood. Electrical companies are usually aware of this problem and they work hard to fix it as soon as possible.
While you wait, you should use a flashlight to find your way around the house. Make sure that you unplug appliances from the power socket to avoid damage when the power comes back.
Please be safe when handling electricity, Red Barn Service Family!
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