Tackling Commercial Electrical Emergencies
Common electrical problems in just about any size building can turn into significant electrical issues. However, commercial buildings can have much bigger problems and negative impacts simply because the size of the building requires more wiring and maintenance. These problems can lead to fires, and equipment malfunctions, just to name a few.
While we advise having an emergency electrical services team on speed dial for when any of these issues occur, immediate actions need to be taken in some circumstances. Read on to find out the first steps for tackling commercial electrical emergencies.
Electrical Fire
Whether they are started by a faulty short circuit breaker or a cord that becomes overheated, electrical fires can be both hazardous and expensive. It is absolutely necessary for you to develop emergency response protocols for your company or building in the event that there is a fire caused by electrical equipment. This is an extremely important step to take in order to protect the well-being of yourself, your employees, and your tenants.
How To Put Out An Electrical Fire?
Cut the Power: Turn off the power to the affected area as soon as possible. By disabling the switch on your building’s breaker panel, you can accomplish this. Unplugging the appliance or turning it off could be dangerous, especially if an overheated appliance or a fried wire is to blame for the problem. This should suffice to keep the fire from starting if it hasn’t already.
Fire Extinguisher: Everyone in your building, or at the very least a few people, should know how to use a fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency. Use a Class C fire extinguisher only when cutting the power to the fire’s source was not possible. To put out a fire, these devices rely on carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers. In the event of a power outage, use a water-based Class A extinguisher.
Hold the handle down while pulling the pin and pointing the horn at the heart of the fire. The fire must be completely extinguished before the chemical can be used. Class A and Class C fire extinguishers are not interchangeable and should only be used in the situations described. If you are unsure of your extinguisher’s class, have it checked.
Exit & Call for Help: Electrical safety is paramount, leave the building as quickly as you can while maintaining your composure in order to make a call for help as soon as you can. Make an immediate phone call to either the police or the fire department once you have ensured your own safety by evacuating the building and arriving at the meeting point.
Power Outage
Managing or owning a business during a power outage can be challenging. Are tenants prepared in the event of a power outage? What should they do next? Are you or the utility company responding to the concerns of your customers? What can you do to make dealing with power outages a little easier?
Before the lights go out, an emergency power outage plan addresses these and other concerns, ensuring that no one is left in the dark. These tips can help you plan ahead of time for a power outage in your commercial building. If you’re experiencing a power outage give us a call at 226-400-3564.
Ensure Everyone Is Safe:
Ensure your employees, tenants, and customers are safe. Individuals may have been in the elevator at the time and may now be potentially stuck. Or, they may be in an area with no natural light, and now they can’t see in order to walk through the building.
Emergency Kit:
Your building should have numerous emergency kits for yourself and your tenants. These emergency kits should contain flashlights, first aid supplies, and emergency water, just to name a few.
Checking The Electrical Panel:
If you are familiar with your electrical panel or breaker box, now is a great time to check to see if a breaker was tripped.
Purchase A Generator:
In the event of a power outage, a generator can keep your small business running, but it must be operated properly. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, generators must be used with adequate ventilation. You should never connect a generator to a power outlet, as this could cause harm to utility workers.
If you think there may be a problem with your commercial electrical wiring or setup, visit our website or give us a call at 226-400-3564 the team at SITE Plus Electrical Solutions is happy to help.
