Responding to Rental Property Electrical Emergencies

As most people know, electricity isn't child's play. The hazards presented by electrical emergencies in and around the home can be life threatening. Knowing how to respond to electrical hazard situations can save your life, the life of someone else, or your property.

The following scenarios describe various emergency situations involving electricity that could take place around your property and how to respond to them.

Non-fire Electrical Emergency Situations

For non-fire emergencies, there is typically an "electrical odor" in the premises, and the air may be filled with a haze or smoke. The cause could be in the home's wiring, a faulty appliance or fixture, or damage from lightning. At this point, the source of the odor must be found and the hazard removed.

If the problem originates from a bad appliance, then its plug will have to be pulled from the power supply (wall outlet). However, if the problem exists with the home's circuit wiring or electrical fixtures, then the power to the entire house, apartment unit, or individual room will have to be shut down at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. All tenants should be alerted not to turn the power back on until the problem has been corrected.

After this action has removed the hazard, a licensed electrician should be called to repair the problem before power is turned back on. This is required in some municipalities if the fire department has responded to the scene. The fire department will issue orders to the homeowner to hire a licensed electrician to correct the problem before power is restored.

Electrical Fires

Rule Number 1 - never use water to put out an electrical fire. Water is a conductor of electricity and you may get electrocuted. Instead, unplug the burning appliance or cut the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If one is available, use a multipurpose fire extinguisher (or dry chemical extinguisher) on small fires. Baking soda can also be used to put out small fires. Alert everyone to exit the dwelling and call 911.

Electrocution

If a person is in contact with indoor 120-volt electricity (live wire) and is being electrocuted, do not grab that person and try to pull him or her away from the hazard. If you do, then you'll also get electrocuted. Instead, you'll have to take the quickest of two options - turn off the power at the main circuit breaker or fuse box, or use a non-conductor such as a broom handle, board, wooden chair etc. to shove and separate the person from contact with the live wire. Call 911 for medical assistance.

Outdoors, if someone has contacted high-voltage outdoor wires, call 911 immediately - do not attempt to remove the person from the wires - you will also become electrocuted.

For more information about electrical emergencies and other serious rental property hazards, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection.