Emergency Electrician Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

When the lights flicker out or you smell something burning behind the walls, panic rises fast. Whether you’re at home with your family or managing a bustling office, electrical emergencies feel like a storm rolling in out of nowhere. Every second counts.

At Electric Saints, we’ve responded to countless late-night calls and high-stress situations. Our aim? To help you make the right moves—calm, quick, and safe—while you wait for your emergency electrician.

Recognizing an Electrical Emergency ⚡

Electrical problems can sneak up quietly or shout for attention. Knowing what’s truly urgent is the first step.

Common signs of an electrical emergency:

• Power outages affecting only your home or building
• Burning smells from outlets, panels, or appliances
• Smoke, sparks, or buzzing from switches, sockets, or fixtures
• Exposed wires—especially if wet or near foot traffic
• Flickering lights combined with popping sounds
• Breakers that trip again and again
• Someone receives an electric shock

If you spot these symptoms, treat them like a fire alarm: stay alert, take action, and don’t ignore your gut.

Pro tip: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) both highlight that electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Immediate Safety Steps

Time to act. Here’s what you should do—fast, but with care.

1. Stay Calm. Breathe. Rushing leads to mistakes.
2. Turn Off Power at the Main Breaker. If safe to approach, shut off the main breaker to cut electricity to your entire home or business. Use a dry hand and stand on a dry surface.
3. Evacuate if There’s Smoke, Fire, or Burning Odor. Don’t try to be a hero. Get everyone out, close doors behind you, and call emergency services (like 911) once you’re outside.
4. Keep Away From Water. Never touch electrical equipment or cords if you’re standing in water or the area is wet.
5. Avoid Touching Exposed Wires. Treat every wire as if it’s live.
6. Unplug Sensitive Devices. If you can, safely unplug computers, appliances, or electronics to protect them from surges.
7. Call an Emergency Electrician. Reach out to Electric Saints right away for professional help.

If someone is shocked: Don’t touch them directly. Cut the power if possible. Use a non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to separate them from the source. Call emergency services immediately.

Quick Reference Safety Checklist

Storms, floods, and holidays bring their own brand of electrical chaos. Here’s a handy checklist for those high-risk moments:

• [ ] Locate your main breaker and know how to shut it off
• [ ] Keep emergency numbers handy (including your emergency electrician)
• [ ] Never use extension cords or power strips in wet areas
• [ ] Avoid running cords under rugs or through doors
• [ ] Use only outdoor-rated lighting and devices outside
• [ ] After flooding, don’t touch any electrical panel or outlet until cleared by a pro
• [ ] For holiday lights, inspect for frayed wires before plugging in
• [ ] Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check batteries monthly
• [ ] Have backup lighting (flashlights, not candles) ready

Stay prepared, not paranoid. A little knowledge now saves a lot of pain later.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

It’s tempting to tinker or “just check” that loose wire. But electricity isn’t like a leaky faucet—it’s more like a sleeping tiger.

Safe to do yourself:

• Resetting a tripped breaker (once or twice only—if it keeps tripping, call)
• Replacing light bulbs (if the fixture itself is not damaged)
• Unplugging appliances during a surge

Never DIY:

• Repairing damaged wiring or outlets
• Fixing main panel or breaker issues
• Addressing water-damaged systems
• Handling exposed or sparking wires
• Upgrading or moving major appliances

National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines exist for a reason. Only a qualified emergency electrician has the training and equipment to track down the real problem safely.

What Pros Do On Arrival

Here’s what to expect when your electrician steps onto the scene:

1. Safety First: We assess hazards, confirm the power is off, and check for fire or shock risks.
2. Fault Finding: Using specialized tools, we pinpoint the source of the trouble—whether it’s a faulty outlet, a hidden short, or a misbehaving appliance.
3. Temporary Repairs: If needed, we make things safe immediately by isolating or disconnecting damaged circuits.
4. Long-Term Solutions: After the situation is stable, we’ll explain what needs replacing or upgrading, based on current safety codes and best practices.
5. Documentation: For insurance or compliance, we can provide certificates or inspection reports.

Your safety is always the first priority. That’s why we follow strict protocols recommended by OSHA, NFPA 70E, and local building codes.

Prevention & Maintenance

The best way to handle emergencies? Prevent them before they start.

• Schedule Regular Electrical Safety Inspections. Annual checks spot hidden dangers before they spark trouble.
• Upgrade Old Wiring. Homes over 30 years old often hide cracked insulation or outdated panels.
• Install Surge Protection. Whole-house surge protectors shield valuable electronics from sudden spikes.
• Test Smoke and CO Detectors Monthly. Replace batteries twice a year.
• Don’t Ignore Small Problems. Flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or tripping breakers are warning signs.
• Label Your Circuit Panel Clearly. In an emergency, knowing which breaker controls what saves precious seconds.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends these steps for every home and workplace.

Costs & Time Factors

Electrical emergencies rarely happen at convenient times—or fit neatly into a budget. While we can’t give quotes here, here’s what to consider:

• Diagnosis Takes Time. Fault Finding can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity.
• Parts May Be Needed. If major components (like breakers or wiring) are damaged, we may need to source replacements.
• After-Hours or Holidays Cost More. Emergency electrician services, especially at night or on holidays, often come with higher rates, reflecting the urgency and availability.
• Insurance May Help. Some repairs are covered under property or business policies—ask your provider.

Remember: Fast fixes are great for safety, but thorough repairs take time.

When It’s an Emergency

Some situations are “drop everything and get out” urgent. Call 911 and evacuate if:

• You see or smell fire, smoke, or burning plastic
• Someone is being shocked and you can’t safely turn off the power
• Floodwater has reached outlets, panels, or appliances
• There are loud popping sounds or visible arcing from wires or panels

For less dire situations—like partial power loss, repeated breaker trips, or unusual electrical behavior—call an emergency electrician for rapid response.

Your safety always comes first.

FAQ

How do I know if I need an emergency electrician or just a regular visit?
If you smell burning, see smoke, sparks, or exposed wires, or lose power unexpectedly, call for emergency help. If it’s a small nuisance (like a single dead outlet), a regular appointment may suffice.

Can I use water to put out an electrical fire?
Never. Water conducts electricity and can make things worse. Use a Class C (electrical) fire extinguisher if it’s safe, or evacuate immediately.

What should I do if my breaker keeps tripping?
Try unplugging devices on the affected circuit. If it keeps happening, call an electrician—there could be a serious underlying fault.

Is it safe to use extension cords after a flood?
No. Moisture can remain in cords and outlets, leading to shock or fire risk. Replace cords and have the system checked.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Storm season, holidays, and extreme weather all bring unique risks.

• Storms: Downed lines, surges, and lightning strikes can hit without warning. Always treat downed wires as deadly—stay at least 35 feet away.
• Floods: Never re-enter a flooded building until the electrical system is inspected and cleared.
• Holidays: Overloaded outlets from festive lights or heaters can push circuits past their limits. Rotate usage, and don’t “daisy chain” power strips.
• Heatwaves: Air conditioners and pool equipment put extra load on wiring—watch for flickers or strange noises.

No matter the season, Electric Saints is ready—day or night, rain or shine.

Don’t wait for small sparks to become big problems. For fast, safe, and professional help,
Call Electric Saints now — or reach us anytime at  877-748-7096 .