Electrical emergencies, such as a sudden loss of power, impact everyone in the home. Learning the signs of electrical dangers and the steps to protect loved ones during an emergency can help prepare you to respond effectively the next time an electrical emergency occurs.
Our electricians are the first call for Iowa residents during electrical emergencies. This post highlights our guide to preparing for electrical emergency scenarios and explains the steps to maintain safety while waiting for a 24/7 electrician to arrive.
Learn How to Respond to an Electrical Emergency
There are several specific electrical emergencies, each with associated home safety concerns, so you must understand the unique considerations for each type of emergency. Below are the most common electrical emergencies we see and the steps to take in response:
Sudden Loss of Power
- Check your electrical panel.
A faulty electrical panel is often the most common cause of a power loss event isolated to one home. To reset the panel, turn the switch into the “off” position before waiting a few seconds and switching it back to the “on” position. Sometimes the breaker might be halfway between off and on, which requires switching to on to restore power.
- Notify your power company.
Call your local power company to notify them of the power loss. They should be able to tell you if there is a widespread loss of power in your area or if it’s just your home.
- Go outside and check with neighbors.
Once you’ve confirmed everyone in the home is safe, check your neighbor’s power status. Go outside and look for street lamp lighting and traffic lights to determine if there’s a loss of power in the area.
Electrical Fires
- Call the fire department.
Notify the local fire department immediately in the event of an electrical fire. They can help guide you through the safety steps.
- DON’T USE WATER to put out an electrical fire.
Water can cause electrical fires to spread. Use a fire extinguisher rated for putting out electrical fires or baking soda. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which is in C-class fire extinguishers for chemical fires.
- Smother the flames in a small fire.
In a small electrical fire, you can use a fire blanket or dense, non-flammable clothing items.
- Unplug the cord.
If you can reach the cord safely, unplug the equipment to cut off power.
Electrical Shocks
- If another person sustains a serious electric shock, call an ambulance immediately, even if they insist they’re fine. Electricity can disturb cardiac rhythm. Only a trained medical professional can confirm the extent of any damage.
- Recognize the signs of electrical shocks.
There are three different levels of electric shock, each with their specific symptoms:
Mild Shocks
- Tingling skin in the area of electricity contact
- Numbness
- Muscle twitching
Moderate Shocks
- Pain at the point of electricity contact
- Confusion
- Breathing difficulties
- Muscle contractions
Severe Shocks
- Cardiac arrest
- Unciciousnesses
- Severe burns
- Breathing loss
If you recognize any of the above signs while working with others on electrical equipment in the home, call for an ambulance immediately and explain the scenario in detail to the dispatcher.
Create Your Home Electrical Emergency Kit
Your home electrical emergency kit is your go-to resource during an emergency event. Collect the following items and store them in a crushproof, waterproof container. Your electrical emergency kit should include the following items:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Wind-up transistor radios
- 5 gallons of bottled drinking water
- Non-perishable canned foods
- Snack foods such as granola bars
- Waterproof pouches for electronics
- Medications with prescription details
Install a Standby Generator
Standby generators provide automatic backup power in a power loss event. They’re the ultimate backup option and operate via an automatic switch that detects a loss of electricity from the main service panel and brings the generator to life within seconds of the power cutting out. Standby generators provide homeowners with young families and hectic schedules comfort and peace of mind.
Consider the following when installing a standby generator:
- Current and future electrical demands
Size the standby generator to your current and potential future power needs. Remember: the more equipment the generator powers, the more fuel you’ll need to store when preparing for electrical emergencies.
- The standby generator’s fuel source
Standby generator fuel options include propane, gas, and diesel generators. Natural gas standby generators are a popular choice due to the wide availability of natural gas sources and their ability to run indefinitely in power loss events
- The installation location
Coordinate with an electrician when choosing the location for your standby generator. NFPA rules stipulate generators must be installed at least six feet from windows to prevent exhaust from blowing into the home. Generators must also be at least 1.5 feet from sheds and other permanent structures to help prevent structural fires.
Custom Electrical’s electricians have decades of experience in standby generator installation and can help you plan each phase of the process, from applying for permits to the final installation walkthrough.
FAQs on Electrical Emergencies
Are flickering lights an electrical emergency?
Flickering lights are a sign of intermittent power. However, the cause could be as simple as a loose bulb or the wrong type of bulb for the light fixture. If the flickering continues, call a 24/7 emergency electrician for a same-day visit.
Why shouldn’t I attempt to DIY the emergency electrical work?
Beyond the obvious safety hazards associated with trying to fix an electrical emergency alone, there’s the chance you could cause further damage and potentially void your home insurance. There’s a risk to your health and home expenses when attempting to fix an emergency electrical problem alone.
What are the electrical emergency contact numbers for Iowa?
In an electrical emergency, you can call your local utility company, which for many in Iowa is Mid-American. You can then contact Custom Electrical’s 24-hour emergency line to dispatch an electrician.
Call the following numbers in an electrical emergency:
MidAmerican: 800-799-4443
Custom Electrical’s 24-hour emergency lines –
Central Iowa: (515) 669-3418
Eastern Iowa: (319) 313-3313
Prepare for Electrical Emergencies with Custom Electrical
If you have concerns about a potential electrical emergency, call Custom Electrical for 24-hour access to licensed electricians. We offer emergency electrical services in Iowa City and Des Moines and service clients throughout Eastern and Central Iowa.
