Why do we shut off our power in an emergency?

Trying to encourage the family to learn your emergency plan? Need to create formal documentation for your workplace?

Understanding what to do with your power supply and other utilities in certain emergencies is essential for your plan.

This blog will help you to comprehend exactly what to do in emergencies prior to evacuation.

Briggs are electricians in Melbourne who can manage your electrical supply by assessing it after a disaster or upgrading your current damaged system.

 

When should you turn off utilities such as gas?

Turning off your utilities can save you from exacerbating disasters, such as burst pipes or flickering lights. More dire scenarios involving cutting off your utility supply include:

• Gas leak
• Fire
• Internal damage to your home
• When there is a natural disaster

You may also be told to do so by authorities.

Your utilities include your water supply, gas supply, and electrical supply.

 

During which natural disasters should utilities be shut down?

You should turn off your power during natural disasters because severe weather can create lethal conditions when met with physical gas or electricity.

During a weather catastrophe, you should always be well prepared and fully understand what to do to keep your home safe during evacuation.

Why is it necessary to shut off utilities during cyclones and floods?

During any severe storm, hurricane, or similar natural disaster, you should turn off your power to avoid power surges or power spikes.

Power surges often occur because of the excessive stream of electricity trying to power your home after blackouts.

Blackouts, faults, and power outages may occur during inclement weather due to:

• Trees and other objects hitting the power lines
• Power lines making contact with one another
• Power poles getting knocked down

And once power is reconnected, surges occur.

If your area is experiencing lightning strikes, your home is more likely to get struck if your power is switched on. This is another reason why you should be switching it off from the distribution board.

Should you turn off electricity during a flood?

Remember that water is a conductor of electricity.

If your home floods from burst pipes or from excessive rain, you should turn off your electricity from your mains before the water gets a chance to seep to the level of your power points.

Otherwise, you could get electrocuted. Water can also flow into these sockets and impair them, which will require an inspection and repairs from our licensed electricians in Oakleigh.

You should additionally turn off your water supply during flooding because of the chance of contamination from debris and dirt.

Should I turn off utilities in a fire?

When you are experiencing a home electrical fire or if there is a bushfire close to your home, you should immediately cut the power before evacuating – if it’s safe to do so and if you have time.

Powerlines can also become disconnected during bush fires which is why you should also turn off your electricity because of the potential for subsequent surges.

Fire can potentially create a combustion reaction in your house if the flames come into contact with your gas supply. This is why you should also turn your gas off to limit the chance of this happening.

You should also turn off your water supply during a fire because your water source could become contaminated with ash, insects, or other contaminants.

How do you shut off your electrical supply?

Everyone in your household or business must know where your distribution board is located.

You must also show them a demonstration of how to turn off the power in case you’re not present during an emergency. This is even more important in commercial facilities, which are usually larger and more complex.

Before turning off your electricity from the main supply, turn off all devices and outlet switches.

Then access your distribution board and turn off each individual circuit before turning off the overall supply switch.

The switches should be labelled and the overall switch is generally a different colour.

Once the power is shut off, you’ll need to evacuate or call an emergency electrician depending on the emergency.

Other safety tips

A lot can go wrong when you write and design your electrical emergency plan on your own.

Briggs can assist you by installing emergency exit lights for your business. We can also update your distribution board, as archaic boards are often a common reason for electrical faults and fires in the home and workplace.

We can also assist you after an emergency by reconnecting your electrical supply safely and can also diagnose the reason for any power failures you’ve experienced.

Additionally, ensure that you have ideal home or business insurance considering the likelihood of bushfires and floods in your area.

 

Contact our skilled electricians today to evaluate your current emergency plan

Briggs Electrical are electricians in Melbourne’s South East who are here and ready to spring into action!

‘Where can I find a 24 hour electrician near me?”

It’s right here at Briggs Electrical and Data Solutions! We are a qualified, skilled team with decades of experience, dedicated to keeping your home, business, and people safe.

Never try to assess electrical issues on your own; make sure you contact our electricians on call for rapid-response, 24-hour assistance when you need it the most.

Call Briggs Electrical anytime on 1300 300 222 or for less urgent matters, lodge a job with us online today