Do’s and Don’ts in Cases of Electrical Emergencies

The bustling sound of constructions in the morning and flaring city lights in the evening is what makes Sydney a busy and hectic place.

People undeniably depend on electricity in their daily lives. The electricity has changed the quality of life from operating all appliances to making entertainment shows possible. 

Survival without electricity in Sydney is unimaginable. It is impossible that you won’t use electricity for a day. However, as essential as it is, electricity can cause high risks and even kill people.

The human body is a good conductor of electricity where it can pass through the body. Electricity conductivity can damage the body, causing injury or fatality. Though the danger of electricity is common knowledge, there are still many cases of accidents related to electrical situations.

There are instances when injury and accidents related to electric current is unavoidable. From 2014 to 2016, almost 1,100 cases of electrical injury were identified in Australia. Preparing yourself from any electrical emergencies will lessen the likelihood of getting injuries from electric current and electric-related accidents.

To avoid future injuries with any electric- related accidents, here are the dos and don’ts you can follow in cases of electrical emergencies.

Electric Shock

Electric shock and electrocution are common accidents related to electric current. The risk for electric shock is due to exposure to live wires and cables, outlets and electrical appliances. Electricity can pass through the body, causing small burns to paralysis and death.

Although preventable, electrical accidents in the home are killing 15 Australians and hospitalising 300 people each year. Industrial areas are not excluded from this accident. Also, there are cases of people electrocuted due to lightning, and some steps here can help.

Dos

• Your first reaction might go to the victim and give first aid. Stop and think carefully about what is the best thing to do. Also, remember time is essential in responding.
• Try getting the people out of electric current using a broomstick or any dry, non-conductive materials to electricity. 
• Limit the people exposed to electric shock.
• Turn the main power supply off or the source of the electric current to avoid further damage.
• Call your local emergency services. Victims of a severe electric shock need medical attention immediately. Relaying the accurate details such as where you are and what happened can help the medical crew to prepare.
• Administer first aid to the victim. Before the rescue team can reach your area, attend to the victim’s injuries. Performing cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for unresponsive or not breathing victims. It is to help the victim before the medical team arrives.

Don’ts

• Do not panic. Thinking carefully will help you on how to save someone from getting electrocuted or electric shock.
• Do not touch anyone exposed or receiving an electric shock. After knowing that electricity can pass through the body, touching an electrocuted person might pass the electricity to you.
• Do not apply ointment or oils on the burns of the victims as it might worsen the wound.
• Do not switch the power back on your own. After attempting to turn off the power supply, do not try to turn it on. You need to call an authorised electrician to fix it to avoid future mishaps.

Electrical Fire

An electrical fire can emerge from the exposure of flammable materials near electrical appliances or overloaded wires and outlets. Electrical faulting is one of the most common reasons for a house fire. The danger of house fire can turn your property into ash, and worst kill people around. 

Also, an electrical fire can start a bushfire. Electrical fence and house fire can ignite the surrounding vegetation. The effect of this accident won’t only affect a few people, but your entire neighbourhood. 

Dos

• It is always essential to have a fire extinguisher in your household or at work. This can help in putting out the fire.
• Try turning off your main switchboard in your fuse box to cut the source of electric current.
• Calling the fire brigade immediately will help you with electrical fire. Also, in cases of injuries, call the ambulance.
• Attend the injuries of the victims like burns. For example, you can place burns in cold water for 20 minutes and cover with clean dressings.
• If the fire is already big and can’t be contained, leave the site immediately. 

Don’ts

• You think that throwing water can put out the fire. But never throw water to the fire as this might lead to electrocution.
• Do not apply ointment and oils to burns.
• Do not prioritise your belongings when the fire can’t be contained. The safety of you and your family is the utmost priority. Wait for emergency services outside.

Fallen Power Line

Power lines can fall due to a vehicle crashing on it or strong winds. Weak posts or poles are easy to fall when there is a small impact on it. The risks of the fallen power line are very serious, from the effects of a falling post and the massive electric current that can electrocute anyone.

Dos

• Treat any fallen power lines with live cables. The risk of getting an electric shock is fatal with these fallen power lines.
• Always stay away from grounded lines.
• Call the ambulance if anyone is injured.
• Contact your local electricity company to help with the fallen power line.
• If someone is electrocuted, keep the person warm and lying down while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Don’ts

• Never touch the power lines or any person receiving electric current. 
• Don’t go near any water or any material conducting the electric current from the fallen line.

Conclusion

As long as electricity is present, it is impossible to avoid electrical emergencies. But proper knowledge and preparedness can help everyone avoid the danger of electricity-related incidents. Equipping oneself on what to do and not can help you prevent the loss of property and save others from minor injuries and life-threatening situations.

Knowledge is always power when it comes to handling electrical emergencies. The ability to administer first aid training and basic life support reduces the likelihood of further injuries and fatalities. Also, it is vital to have safety precautions and management, such as the proper installation and inspection of cables and appliances.

Sydney Inner West Electricians is here to help you with any electrical emergencies. Our team consists of trusted level 2 electricians that can efficiently and safely do any electrical works. As much as we value anyone’s life, we continue to provide safe electrical practices to avoid future accidents and fatalities.

You can call us at (02) 8378 2829 with our reliable staff giving you a free quote. We make sure anyone can enjoy a safe home from any electrical emergencies.