Electrical Safety Precautions During a Disaster

Electrical safety

What is a disaster, and why is it uncontrollable?

A disaster is an accident that can occur in any place or at any time, which may cause serious injuries or even death. It may cause loss of property, buildings, and other material things. In addition, Electrical Safety are different causes of disasters. So, it may happen due to heavy storms, floods, and electric shocks.

Why is electric safety important at the time of disaster?

We all know that electricity is dangerous for humans in some situations, especially in disasters; that is why we have to take precautions to save our lives. We can save lives by following some precautions; otherwise, it could be very dangerous for everyone. In addition, it may cause injuries, death, and damage to property as well. So, you surely need to follow the electrical safety measures to at least make yourself safe from electrical safety hazards at the time of 

Electrical safety precautions during a disaster

Strom, floods, and power outages are the main causes of misshapes, accidents, and disasters. So, consumers have to be aware of all these disasters. Therefore, it is compulsory to know about these hazards, and it is also required to use electrical precautions. Here are some post-storm electrical hazards that occur in the summer season because of high winds, rains, and flooding, which is the main reason for deaths and injuries. We can escape from deaths, serious injuries, and property loss by following some precautions that are mentioned below. 

Do not touch down power lines

Power lines have large currents of electricity that may cause serious accidents or even death. Therefore, the human body is a conductor which catches the current easily to touch down power lines. So, it is very important to save our lives, and for this, you require not to touch power lines with your hand or with any other object. In addition, if someone is attached to the power lines, then do not touch that person because this person conducts current, and if you touch this person, you are also stuck with this person. It means you get an electric current like this person. That is why you have to call an emergency or call the helplines.

Moreover, do not touch fallen power lines even if you are cleaning and doing other activities. That is why If you see that the power line is a drop in the water, then never come in that water. In addition, if the electric wires, electric circuits, and electric equipment are wet or near the water, then don’t touch them because it may cause heavy current, and electric wires are energized with high voltage current. Likewise, do not turn on and off the electrical equipment, and avoid using the electric tool when you are standing in water. All electrical safety equipment should be handled by a certified electrician at the time of disaster.

How to save from the power lines that are damaged and fallen?

These are some tips described here that we have to follow so we can save our lives from disaster.

You have to follow these tips and precautions to save your life which are described here.

  • Stay away from down power lines at least 20 feet.
  • Do not drive a car when the power lines fall and wait.
  • You have to call at helpline in emergency
  • Never cross the area which is surrounding the power lines.
  • Do not touch power lines when you are wet.

Flood areas are at more risk of catching current easily

When there is a flood in a specific area, then this area is the most threatening area of danger. In addition to this, due to water, the current start flowing in the flooded area because water is a conductor which catches current very easily. And it is the conditions that cause a lot of serious incidents. Therefore, water helps electric wires to become more energized because of heavy current flow. So,  when someone steps into this area, it is very dangerous. It means it is important to stay away from wet electric equipment during the flood. 

Moreover, when there is a flood in your area, turn off all the switches, especially the main power switch. In addition, if you can see the dangling power lines, then report it immediately to the special authorities. This is the way by which you can save more lives. Likewise, your power heaters are required to have studs with 2 inches of metal straps and lag screws to prevent them from electric current.

Some important precautions after the flood

After the flood, remove all covers from electric objects so that they can dry properly. That is why you must call the electrician to check all electric appliances after the flood; otherwise, sparks and electric shocks will be generated. And it would cause serious injuries. Another point is that electric motors and other appliances should be cleaned and maintained before being put back in their working place. In addition, always use battery power flashlights for inspection after the flood because the gas flame may cause burns or even death.

Electric safety information for disaster when you are in the home

When we are at home, then we have to take care of ourselves and follow some simple steps. Make sure that you are turning off all the electric appliances and disconnect all-power cords of electric iron, hair dryer, washing machine, toaster, microwave oven, and other electric appliances that can produce heat while you are at home. Also, don’t touch your electric appliances and wiring when they are wet. Moreover, if you smell gas, then do not flame out and don’t switch on lights and fans because gas can catch the electricity and it may cause fire burns or explosions. So, open your windows and call the gas company. 

Follow some precautions when leaving and returning home

When you are leaving home, then it is compulsory to turn off the main circuit breakers and all gas and electrical appliances.

Likewise, if you return home, then you must check the gas appliances and firstly on the main circuit breaker and make sure there everything is all right and then turn on the switches of electrical appliances.

If someone had an electric shock, then take some steps

It is already discussed above that if you see the person who attaches to the electric source, then don’t touch the person. Maybe the person is still affected by electric current. Therefore, if you touch the person, current can passes through your body. Firstly, turn off the electricity from the main circuit breaker, then detach the affected person from the electrical source by using cardboard, wood, and plastic material. Then the person is free from the electrical source. After that, you are required to check his heartbeat and breathing. And if he is pale or faint, then lie down to him and call the ambulance to take him to the hospital. Last but not least, do not touch the burn cloths or blisters because they may have electric current in them, which is very dangerous.

Conclusion

It is very important to make sure that all family members, friends’ pets, and neighbors are following all the above tips and precautions to save their lives because if one person is not following these instructions, then that one person is getting in danger. In addition, the human body is the conductor of current, and the current passes from one human body to another human body and another object when you are not taking care of above these tips. So everyone can escape from danger easily if they seriously follow the tips. 

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