Emergency Electrician Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

When the lights flicker, the outlets spark, or a strange burning smell fills your home or business, panic can set in fast. Electrical emergencies are never convenient—they strike at midnight, on weekends, or in the middle of a storm. At Lee Davis Electric, we know what it’s like to feel the clock tick while waiting for help.

This guide walks you through what to do right now. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a business, you’ll learn how to keep everyone safe, protect property, and know when to call an emergency electrician for repairs near you.

Recognizing Electrical Emergencies ⚡

Some problems are obvious. Others sneak up quietly. Recognizing a true emergency is the first step to safety.

Common Signs of Electrical Emergencies

• Burning smells — like melting plastic or rubber
• Visible sparks — from outlets, switches, or panels
• Smoke — especially from walls, ceilings, or appliances
• Frequent tripped breakers — not just occasional flickers
• Outlets or switches that are hot to the touch
• Buzzing, popping, or crackling sounds from wiring or devices
• Power outages affecting only part of your property
• Water and electricity mixing — after flooding, leaks, or storms

If you spot any of these, don’t ignore them. Electrical fires and shocks can happen in seconds. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both stress the importance of fast, decisive action.

Immediate Safety Steps

When trouble strikes, your actions can mean the difference between a close call and disaster. Here’s your go-to checklist:

• Stay calm. Panic leads to mistakes.
• Turn off the main breaker if you can safely reach it. This is usually in your electrical panel—look for a large switch labeled “Main.”
• Keep clear of water. Never touch electrical systems with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Unplug affected appliances if safe to do so—never yank cords.
• Evacuate if you see flames or heavy smoke.
• Call 911 if there’s a fire or anyone is injured.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area.

If you smell burning but see no flames, shutting off the power is your best move. Safety first—always.

What Not to Do 🚫

In emergencies, good intentions can backfire. Skip these common mistakes:

• Don’t use water to put out electrical fires. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
• Don’t try to open the panel if it’s smoking or sparking. Let professionals handle it.
• Don’t touch exposed wires, even with gloves. Electricity can arc through many materials.
• Don’t use extension cords as a fix. They’re not built for emergencies.
• Don’t ignore the problem, hoping it’ll go away. Small issues can turn big fast.

Protecting People and Property

Sometimes, a quick decision saves more than lights—it saves lives. Here’s how to shield your space:

• Close doors behind you if evacuating, to slow the spread of fire.
• Use a Class C fire extinguisher only if you’re trained and the fire is small.
• Mark hazardous areas with signs or tape to warn others.
• Document the situation with notes or photos (if safe)—this helps later with repairs and insurance.
• Keep emergency contacts handy—including your local emergency electrician.

If you operate a business, OSHA recommends regular emergency drills and clearly posted exit routes.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

Not every flicker means disaster. But some signs demand immediate help. Call Lee Davis Electric if:

• You see smoke, sparks, or burn marks on outlets or panels.
• Your breakers trip repeatedly for no clear reason.
• There’s been flooding, and wiring or appliances got wet.
• Power is out in part or all of your building, and neighbors have power.
• You hear buzzing, popping, or smell burning from any electrical source.
• Anyone receives a shock or burn.

A certified emergency electrician has the tools and training to diagnose, repair, and make your space safe again.

Handling Outages, Sparks, and Smoke

Let’s break down three of the most heart-pounding emergencies:

Power Outages

• Check your neighborhood. If others are also dark, call your utility first.
• If only your property is affected: Shut off major appliances to prevent surges when power returns.
• Never use candles— they’re a fire risk. Use battery-powered lights.

Sparks or Smoke

• Shut off the main breaker if you can do so safely.
• Evacuate if you see flames.
• Don’t touch or move sparking devices.
• Call for professional help right away.

Water and Electricity

• Never enter flooded areas with electrical outlets or panels.
• Call an emergency electrician before re-entering after a flood.

Certified Professionals Matter

DIY fixes in an emergency can create bigger hazards. Only a certified electrician can:

• Inspect and test wiring safely
• Meet local and national codes (like the National Electrical Code)
• Provide official documentation for insurance or business compliance
• Use professional-grade tools and protective equipment

For businesses, documentation is vital for OSHA and insurance requirements.

What to Document

If it’s safe:

• Take photos of damage (no close-ups of sparking areas)
• Note times and symptoms (e.g., when the outage started)
• Save any correspondence with your utility or emergency electrician

This record helps with insurance claims and future safety planning.

Tips for Special Situations

During Storms or Holidays 🌧️

• Keep mobile devices charged in advance.
• Know your main breaker location before a storm hits.
• After an outage, reset clocks and test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
• If using a backup generator, follow manufacturer’s safety instructions—never run indoors.

After Hours or Weekends

• Don’t wait until “regular hours.” Electrical hazards don’t keep a schedule.
• Emergency electrician services are always available for repairs near you.

Prevention and Maintenance

The best emergency is the one you avoid. Regular safety checks help prevent surprises:

• Schedule annual inspections for homes and businesses.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Upgrade old wiring and panels before problems start.
• Install surge protection for sensitive electronics.
• For commercial properties, maintain clear exit routes and emergency lighting.

Reference: The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual safety inspections for all electrical systems.

Costs & Time Factors

Emergencies don’t read the calendar. Response times vary with location, weather, and time of day. Here’s what to expect:

• Response time: Most emergency electricians aim for 1–2 hours, but storms or holidays may delay arrival.
• Typical duration: Simple repairs may take under an hour; complex faults or rewiring can last several hours.
• Cost factors: After-hours calls, parts needed, and the nature of the emergency all affect price.

A clear explanation and itemized report should always follow any emergency visit.

FAQ

What’s the first thing I should do in an electrical emergency?

Stay calm. If it’s safe, turn off the main power and keep everyone away from the hazard. Call an emergency electrician right away.

Is it safe to reset a breaker after it trips?

If the breaker trips repeatedly, don’t reset it. There’s likely a deeper problem. Contact a professional.

Can I use a fire extinguisher on an electrical fire?

Only if it’s a Class C (for electrical fires) extinguisher, and only for small fires. Otherwise, evacuate and call 911.

What if I can’t find the main breaker?

Don’t waste time searching in an emergency. Evacuate and call for professional help.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌨️

Storm season brings downed power lines and flooding. Summer overloads can trip circuits. Winter storms can leave you in the dark. Prepare by:

• Knowing your main shutoff location
• Keeping emergency numbers saved in your phone
• Testing backup generators before you need them
• Scheduling seasonal maintenance checkups

Whether at home or work, a little preparation goes a long way.

When the unexpected strikes, Lee Davis Electric is ready—24/7. For fast, safe emergency help and repairs near you, don’t wait.

Call Lee Davis Electric now — or reach us anytime at  877-757-7920 .