Requirement 1 of 11
Electrical Emergencies
Explain and demonstrate how to respond safely to electrical emergencies, including shock, burns, fires, storms, and downed wires.
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Checklist
- 1a Explain how to turn off power for a particular circuit and the whole house in an emergencyNot complete
- 1b Demonstrate how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the homeNot complete
- 1c Describe how to safely get out of a car if a utility wire may be on itNot complete
- 1d Show how to render first aid to a person unconscious from apparent electrical shockNot complete
- 1e Show how to treat an electrical burnNot complete
- 1f Explain what to do in the event of an electrical fireNot complete
- 1g Explain what to do if caught in the open during an electrical stormNot complete
Power shutoff safety
Know how to shut off power at both the circuit and whole-house level before an emergency happens.
What to know
- Know where your home's breaker panel or fuse box is located.
- Learn how to identify the main disconnect and individual branch circuits.
- In an emergency, shut off power only if you can do so safely without stepping into water or touching damaged equipment.
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Live wire rescue
Never touch a person who is still in contact with live electricity.
Safe response
- Turn off the power first if possible.
- If you cannot turn power off, use a dry nonconductive object such as wood to separate the person from the source.
- Call 911 and keep others away from the area.
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Wire on a car
If a power line may be touching the car, staying inside is often the safest choice until help arrives.
Key steps
- Call for emergency help and tell others to stay away.
- If you must leave because of fire or another immediate danger, jump clear without touching the car and ground at the same time.
- Shuffle away with both feet close together to reduce risk from electrical current in the ground.
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Shock first aid
Be ready to respond after the electrical source is no longer a danger.
First aid priorities
- Check for responsiveness and breathing.
- Call 911 and begin CPR if needed and trained to do so.
- Watch for burns, confusion, or other injuries caused by the shock or a fall.
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Electrical burn care
Electrical burns can be more serious than they first appear.
Treatment basics
- Get emergency help for serious burns.
- Cool minor burns with cool running water, not ice.
- Cover with a clean dry dressing and do not apply ointment unless directed by a medical professional.
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Electrical fire response
Electrical fires need a different response than ordinary fires.
What to do
- Cut power if it can be done safely.
- Use the correct fire extinguisher and never throw water on an energized electrical fire.
- Evacuate and call for help if the fire is spreading or unsafe to fight.
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Electrical storm safety
Move quickly to safer shelter if thunderstorms are nearby.
Outdoor storm safety
- Get inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle as soon as possible.
- Avoid tall isolated objects, open fields, hilltops, and metal fences.
- If no shelter is available, spread out from others and avoid lying flat on the ground.
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