The First Thing You Should Do in an Electrical Emergency

Sounds intense, the phrase electrical emergency! But don’t panic; it’s often as simple as the lights going out unexpectedly or hearing a strange buzzing near the switchboard. And we've got your back.

We're here to help you know how to act fast, stay safe, and make quick and calm decisions that could prevent fires, serious injury, and costly damage.

Our guide breaks down the immediate steps you should take, explains the most common warning signs, and shows you when it’s time to call a licensed emergency electrician.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately

When you’re faced with an electrical emergency, stay calm and take the right steps quickly. It can make all the difference. Whether it’s a strange burning smell, a buzzing switchboard, or visible smoke, your priority is "safety first". Protect yourself and others. Here’s what you need to do during an electrical hazard:

Turn off the main power supply at the switchboard electrical system— look for the switch labelled “Main” or “Main Switch”.
Do not touch any affected electrical appliances, power points, or cords.
Evacuate the premises immediately if you see smoke, flames, or smell burning.
Call the emergency service number 000 if there is a fire or injury.
Contact a licensed emergency electrician — many operate 24/7 and can respond quickly to restore safety and power.

Once help is on the way, keep a safe distance and avoid re-entering the premises until it's confirmed safe by emergency assistance or your electrician. If an accident happens and someone is harmed, such as gone into cardiac arrest from electrical currents, help them wherever possible if you have first aid training until medical professionals arrive. If the victim is not breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (perform CPR) until the ambulance arrives.

Recognising an Electrical Emergency

Okay, are you ready? Here's how to know if the alarm bells are ringing in an electrical emergency (literally or figuratively). Some signs are obvious, like smoke or sparks coming from a power point or an actual smoke alarm ringing! Others are more subtle but just as serious: flickering lights, a persistent burning smell, or popping or buzzing sounds near switches or outlets.

You might also notice tingling when you touch appliances, which could mean a dangerous grounding issue. A sudden loss of power or repeatedly tripped circuit breakers can also signal something has gone awry. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call an emergency electrician.

Types of Electrical Emergencies and Common Injuries

Here are your most typical electrical emergencies and what causes them, plus how to deal with the risk of electrical issues safely.

1 - Electric Shocks

Faulty appliances are the biggest culprits when an electric shock occurs, and sometimes exposed wiring of extension cords or damaged outlets when they come into contact with the human body. It's not pleasant. It shocks you on two levels—first, the electrical shock itself. Second, the shock of just being shocked. Even a mild shock can be a warning sign of deeper electrical faults. If you receive a shock, turn off the power at the mains to prevent further damage and call a licensed electrician to investigate the cause.

2 - Fallen Power Lines

Power lines can be brought down by big storms and very strong winds, especially in places like New South Wales and Queensland. These emergency situations pose a serious risk of electrocution even without visible sparks. Never go near fallen overhead power lines. Stay at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines and all conductive materials, call emergency services, and report it to your local electricity provider.

3 - Electrical Fires

Often caused by overloaded circuits, faulty appliances, or ageing wiring, electrical fires can ignite behind walls. They can also occur inside faulty switchboards or other devices such as e-bike batteries. Warning signs include discoloured outlets, visible smoke, or a burning plastic smell that is distinctively different from a regular fire.

On that note, never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and can electrocute you. That's what the foam extinguishers are for, known as Class C or multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers. Use this if it's available and safe to do so. If the fire is spreading or you’re unsure, evacuate immediately and call 000.

What NOT to Do During an Electrical Emergency

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to make snap decisions, but some actions can make things worse.

Here are the key things to avoid when dealing with electrical safety:

Don’t pour water on electrical fires: It’s worth mentioning twice, as water conducts electricity and can make the situation far more dangerous.
Don’t try DIY fixes: Without proper training, you could worsen the problem or put yourself at serious risk.
Don’t ignore warning signs: Like buzzing sounds, burning smells, or repeated tripped breakers. They’re telling you something is very wrong with your electrical equipment.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct steps. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll protect your home, but most of all you protect yourself and your loved ones, as well as your peace of mind.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

So, how do you know it’s time to get on the phone with an emergency electrician? If your home is the only one on the street without power, that’s a red flag. Other electrical issues to look out for are:

Burnt outlets or power source;
Melted wires;
Faulty wiring;
A distinct burning smell from an electrical source;
Feeling serious electric shocks or tingles when you touch electrical devices;
Circuit breakers that trip constantly.

These are all strong indicators that something is not right behind the scenes. Don’t ignore them. It's time to call an emergency electrician.

Preventing Future Electrical Emergencies

Preventing electrical emergencies starts with a thorough inspection by a licensed electrician to catch issues early. They can also install surge protectors helps guard against sudden voltage spikes, or safety switches that add an extra layer of protection by cutting power during faults. These can provide peace of mind, making the investment with it in itself.

If your home has outdated wiring or aged switchboards, it’s wise to have them replaced to reduce fire risks and improve safety. A few proactive steps today can help you avoid dangerous situations tomorrow.

Need Help Now?

If you’re facing an electrical emergency, don’t wait. If there's a serious fire, call Australia's primary emergency number 000. For all else, call the experts at Easther Electrical on 02 9052 0873.

Our fully licensed electricians offer fast, 24/7 emergency response across the Illawarra and South Coast regions. Whether it’s a power outage, burning smell, or sparking outlet, we’re here to keep your home or business safe. Reach out now and let our trusted team take care of it.