Electrical problems never seem to happen at a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can keep a small problem from turning into a big one. Here’s a simple guide.
Smoke or fire
Get everyone out of the house and call 911. Don’t try to fight an electrical fire with water. Once everyone is safe, let the fire department handle it.
Sparks or a burning smell from an outlet
If it’s safe to get to your panel, turn off the breaker for that part of the house. If you’re not sure which one, turn off the main breaker. Don’t use that outlet again until an electrician has checked it out. Then give us a call.
A downed power line
Stay far away, at least 35 feet, and keep kids and pets back too. Assume it’s live even if it isn’t sparking. Call 911 and your power company. Never try to move it.
The whole house lost power
Check with your neighbors or look at your power company’s outage map. If everybody’s out, it’s an outage, and the power company will handle it. If it’s just your house, check your main breaker. If it’s on and you still have no power, call an electrician.
Part of the house lost power
Check your panel for a tripped breaker and reset it once. If it trips again right away, leave it off. Something on that circuit is wrong, and resetting it over and over can be dangerous. Also check for a tripped GFCI outlet. One GFCI can control outlets in other rooms, often in bathrooms, the garage, or outside.
Water near electrical
If there’s water near outlets, cords, or your panel, stay out of the water. Don’t touch anything electrical. If you can safely reach your panel without standing in water, turn off the power. If you can’t, call your power company.
A breaker that won’t reset
If a breaker won’t stay on, don’t force it and don’t tape it in place. That breaker is protecting your home from something. Call an electrician.
We’re here 24/7
Call or text us any time, day or night, weekends and holidays. A real person will answer and get an electrician headed your way.