Recognizing an Electrical Emergency and the Need for Emergency Electrical Service

Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can also be dangerous if not properly used and maintained.

Unfortunately, electrical service emergencies can occur at any time, which can put your safety and even your home at risk.  Some issues, such as power surges caused by lightning strikes, may be difficult to predict or prevent.  This does not need to stop us from taking precautions to mitigate the damage these disasters can cause.

If you do end up with an actual emergency that is out of your control are are the victim of an electric shock, your first recourse should be to call 911 for emergency services, and then once the disaster is controlled, immediately contact an emergency electrician.

Let’s discuss what emergency electrical issues there are, how to recognize them, what steps you can take to prevent them, and when to call in emergency electrical service at any time during the 24 hour day.

Electrical Fires: A Very Common and Very Dangerous Occurrence

Electrical fires are one of the most common home electrical issues and can be a 24 hour concern.

They can occur due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, a short circuit, or damaged electrical appliances or lighting fixtures (damaged light element, ceiling fan, etc).  because of this it is always recommended to have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby.

Of course ideally we would employ methods to prevent electrical fires; make sure to have smoke detectors installed in every room, avoid overloading electrical outlets and surge protectors and extension cords, and regularly check your electrical wiring, circuit breakers,  electrical panels, and appliances for signs of damage or wear.

Electrical Shock Can Lead to Medical Emergencies and Serious Structural Damage

Another dangerous electrical emergency is electrical shock. This can happen if you touch an electrical appliance or wire that is live or faulty.

Electrical shock can cause severe burns, muscle damage, and even heart failure.  If any of these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

To avoid electrical shock, never touch an electrical appliance with wet hands and always unplug appliances before cleaning or repairing them.

It is also important to have an electrician with 24 hour availability inspect the electrical circuit, circuit breaker, and/or breaker box or electrical panel involved before using the device or circuit again.

Power Outages!  A Year Round Annoyance That Must Be Dealt With

A power outage is an inconvenience related to complete loss of electrical services that can occur due to storms taking down power lines, overloading, electrical faults, or unplanned maintenance by your utility company. While most outages are temporary, they can cause food spoilage, heating and cooling issues, and connectivity problems.

To prepare, have a generator installed or invest in battery-powered appliances.  make sure to keep a cell phone charged and perhaps an extra power bank for each phone in case of emergencies.

Electrical Fires: Burning Smells and Smoke Could Be A Sign of Deeper Electrical Issues

If you smell something burning or see smoke in your home, it could be a sign of an electrical emergency. This odor can indicate electrical wires overheating or melting, which can cause a fire.

To prevent this, turn off the main circuit in your home, unplug all appliances, and contact an electrician immediately.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Listen To Your CM Detector When it Tells You There’s A Problem!

Although not directly related to electrical emergencies, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur due to faulty electrical appliances such as gas heaters and furnaces.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that has no odor, taste, or color and can be fatal.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, install a carbon monoxide detector, ensure proper ventilation, and have all gas appliances inspected by a professional.

React quickly and call for electrical service after leaving the area and contacting appropriate emergency services if this detector is triggered.

Keep Your Home And The People In It Safe!

Electrical emergencies can happen at any time, and it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and how to prevent them, and  have the number of a local electrician close at hand.

By adhering to the tips discussed in this blog post, you can keep yourself and your home safe from electrical emergencies.  Dangers to your homes electrical safety from electrical storms to flickering lights, keep a keen eye out for all the signs of electrical hazards.

If you notice any signs of an electrical emergency that requires immediate electrical work, contact the professional licensed electricians and service technicians at ARC Electric immediately for emergency electrical services with 24 hour availability 7 days a week and do not attempt to handle an electrical emergency yourself. Stay safe and stay aware!

Contact the Professionals at ARC Electric For All of Your Commercial and Residential Electrical Services with 24 Hour Availability and Let us Get to Work For You Today!