Electrical emergencies can knock on your door at any time. They can cause fire and damage to materials and property. And if you aren’t careful enough, you or your loved ones could lose your life as well. Knowing how to handle them effectively can prevent the situation from worsening and minimise loss.  

The role of an emergency electrician becomes crucial here. So make sure you have their contact details with you all the time. To help you out, here are five life-saving tips for handling electrical emergencies in the UK. 

1. Turn Off the Power Supply 

If it’s safe and possible, turn off the power supply by flipping the switch on the breaker box. If you don’t know which breaker connects with which room, shut them all off. It makes the place safe to move around, prevents further damage and allows the 24 hour electrician, firefighters or paramedics to do their work.  

In cases where you can’t access the power source, you can use a dry and non-conductive item made of wood, plastic or cardboard to separate the victim from the shock source. You can also use a low-voltage rescue crook if it’s available, but never use any metallic object as it conducts electricity. This will stop the fire from starting if it hasn’t yet.  

2. Use a Fire Extinguisher  

If there’s a small fire, you can smother it by using a fire extinguisher, if available. If the power supply is turned off, you can use a Class A extinguisher, which is a water-based extinguisher. And if it isn’t possible to turn off the power supply, use only a Class C extinguisher, which is a carbon-dioxide and dry chemical-based extinguisher.  

All you have to do is pull the pin, depress, hold down the handle, and point the horn at the source of the fire. Keep dispersing the extinguisher until the fire goes off. Remember, you can’t use the Class A and Class C extinguishers interchangeably. If you can’t handle all this yourself, get help from a NICEIC electrician as soon as the fire starts. 

3. Don’t Touch the Person under Electrical Shock 

If someone is receiving an electrical shock, your first response would be to go and pull them out of the source of the shock. But remember, human bodies are conductors of electricity, which means the electricity can easily be passed on to you through the victim if you touch them. Electricity has the ability to seriously injure or even kill a human.  

When the voltage is high enough, it contracts the victim’s muscles, making him stuck to the source of the shock. So, instead of trying to touch them and make the situation worse, use an object and wear footwear, both made of non-conductive material. Later, call a 24 hour emergency electrician to diagnose the problem. 

4. Administer First-Aid 

Once you’re able to detach the victim from the shock source, you should provide them with first-aid before the help arrives, or you take them to a hospital. Electrical shocks can lead to severe burns, cardiac arrest and even death. So, you must administer the first aid accordingly.  

If the person is in their senses, attend to their injuries. Place the burnt areas of their body under cold water for 20 minutes and then do the dressing. Don’t put any ointment or oil on the burnt areas. If the person is unconscious or isn’t breathing, administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until they receive professional help.  

5. Call an Emergency Electrical Service 

You must call the emergency electrical service as soon as the incident happens. This type of service is available round the clock, and you won’t need to make any prior appointments. Provide the service provider with as many details as possible about the situation so they can come prepared accordingly.  

An emergency electrician or a group of them will arrive at your place in a jiffy and do what is needed. However, the quality of emergency service depends on the type of service provider company you choose. It’s better to keep a list of reliable and trustworthy service providers even when there’s no emergency because emergencies come uninvited.  

Also read: Tracing the shocking history of electrical safety and innovation in the UK! 

On a Final Note 

Your safety becomes the number one priority during any electrical emergency. Now that you know what you can do in case of an emergency, you can take the right actions. If you’re looking for a reliable service provider that offers emergency electrical service, we highly recommend RyGroup. 

They have been in this industry for about 17 years, and their team is dedicated to providing safe electrical solutions to all residential and commercial properties. Get in touch with them to evaluate your electrical systems and solve issues before they become an emergency.