Stats show that there are close to 24,000 residential (electricity-related) fires annually in the United States. Homeowners typically find these accidents overwhelming and traumatizing. If you were the victim of a residential fire, you were possibly unaware of how to handle the situation efficiently. Learn more from an expert electrician in White Marsh about the proper steps during an electrical fire.
How to Control an Electrical Fire
Most people tend to underestimate the dangers of electrical fires. House fires can send anyone into a panic. However, knowledge of how to handle the accident safely is vital.
The first thing to do is to cut off the power supply. It may be challenging to identify the root cause of the fire or the device that triggered the fire immediately, so it’s best to cut off the entire electricity. Accomplish this but shutting off the circuit breaker or the main switch in the fuse box.
Next, remove any oxygen sources that may fed the fire. Use a blanket or sodium bicarbonate to extinguish the flames and restrict the oxygen supply. Oxygen feeds the fire, and sodium bicarbonate emits carbon dioxide, thereby minimizing the spread of the fire. This step can put out minor house fires completely.
Use a fire extinguisher to put out any flames. Fire extinguishers are more effective than baking soda to put out fires. This equipment can stop the fire from spreading into other parts of the house. Always refrain from using water. Your first instinct may be to pour water over the appliance or location where the fire started. However, this step enhances the scope of electrocution since water conducts electricity.
Tim Kyle: Electrician in White Marsh
Electrical fires can cause severe damage to people and property. If you suspect your home may be at risk for an electrical fire, call the services of Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling to inspect your electrical system today. For most people, it’s hard to determine the source of an electrical problem. It can be dangerous for the inexperienced homeowners to go poking around in wiring and other areas, too. Fortunately, that’s where we come in: our skilled technicians can work with you to identify the issue and to quickly and safely address it. No job is too small here at Tim Kyle; we take every case seriously, whether it’s a burnt-out light bulb or updating the wiring in your house.