Best Ways To Handle An Electrical Emergency in Sydney

Electrical emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing panic and potentially dangerous situations if not handled properly. Whether it’s a power outage, sparking wires, or a sudden electrical fire, knowing how to respond swiftly and effectively can make all the difference in minimising damage and ensuring your family’s safety.

In Sydney, with high density living and increasing pressures on the energy grid, being prepared for an electrical emergency is crucial. At Top of the Mark Electrical we have put together the best ways we recommend how to handle an electrical emergency in Sydney.

Tip 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important step in dealing with any emergency is to remain calm. Take a moment to assess the situation calmly and determine the severity of the emergency. If there is an immediate danger to your life or your property, such as a fire or exposed wires, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services.

Tip 2: Cut off the Power Supply

If there is an electrical emergency, it’s essential to turn off the power to prevent any further damage or injuries. Locate your home’s main fuse box and switch off the circuit breaker that relates to the affected area. If you’re not sure which circuit breaker to turn off, it’s best to turn off the power to the entire house or apartment.

For some extra assistance, you can call our team at Top of the Mark Electrical and we can talk you through how to turn off the power in your home or come out to help you. We’re your local 24 hour electrician. Remember, safety should always be your top priority.

Tip 3: Call Emergency Services

For serious electrical emergencies such as fires, severe electrical shocks, or injuries, don’t hesitate to call emergency services immediately.

How to call Emergency Services in Sydney

1. Dial 000 to reach police, fire brigade or ambulance

2. Provide them with clear and concise information about the situation. Include your location, how many people are involved, the nature of the emergency, and any other relevant details.

3. Follow their instructions carefully.

Tip 4: Keep a Safe Distance

It’s important to keep a safe distance away from any sources of danger, including sparking wires or an electrical fire. Electrical currents are extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury or even death, so it’s crucial to avoid direct contact with any live wires or equipment that is malfunctioning. 

Don’t let anybody try and handle the situation of they don’t have the proper training. It’s best to call emergency services or an emergency electrician, like Top of the Mark Electrical, to resolve the situation for the safety of you and your family.

Tip 5: Use fire extinguishers for electrical fires

If there is a small electrical fire that hasn’t spread and you feel confident, you can attempt to extinguish it with a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher. A CO2 extinguisher has a black band the runs around the top of the red cylinder. These extinguishers are specifically designed to handle electrical fires but are not suitable for fires caused by flammable metals, cooking oils or gases.

To put out the fire, remember to pull the pin of the extinguisher, aim it at the base of the flames and sweep from side to side until the fire is fully extinguished. If you don’t feel confident, it’s best to call emergency services.

Tip 6: Avoid water contact

Water and electricity are never a good mix and can result in electrocution. Never attempt to extinguish an electrical fire with water or with a water-based fire extinguisher. Also, avoid touching electrical appliances, switches, or power points with wet hands, as this increases the risk of electric shock.

Tip 7: Have an emergency kit handy

The Scouts motto be prepared rings true in emergency situations. Having an emergency kit prepared allows you to respond quicker to electrical emergencies. Your kit should include essential items such as:

• Torches,
• Spare batteries,
• A Battery Powered Radio,
• First Aid Supplies,
• Emergency Contact Numbers.

Keep your kit in an easily accessible location and ensure that all members of your family know it’s kept. Being prepared can make a significant difference in an emergency.

Tip 8: Invest in Surge Protectors and Smoke Alarms

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to electrical emergencies. Investing in surge protectors for your electronic devices and installing smoke alarms throughout your home can help minimise the risk of electrical fires and protect your family.

Surge protectors can safeguard your appliances and devices from power surges caused by lightning strikes or electrical faults, while smoke alarms provide early detection of fires, giving you valuable time to evacuate safely.

Tip 9: Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections

To make sure your home’s electrical system is safe, we recommend scheduling regular inspections by qualified electricians. At Top of the Mark Electrical, we can identify any potential hazards, faulty wiring, or outdated equipment that may pose a risk of electrical emergencies. Don’t wait for a problem to pop up. Proactive maintenance can prevent an emergency before it occurs.

Tip 10: Educate yourself and our family

Knowledge is power when it comes to handling electrical emergencies. Take the time to become familiar about basic electrical safety, what to do in an emergency, and the how to turn your power or water on and off. Then teach your family members what to do in an emergency.

Call Top of the Mark Electrical if you have an electrical emergency!

Even though we can be prepared and try and stay calm, an electrical emergency can still be very overwhelming and frightening. If you’re in Sydney and have an electrical emergency, contact us at Top of the Mark Electrical. We specialise in emergency electrical situations and service the entire Sydney metro area.