If an electrical emergency occurs, it’s important to know how to respond without getting hurt yourself.
Electrical contact accidents
Do not touch the victim until the circuit has been turned off – unplug the appliance from the outlet or turn off the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker first.
Call 911, making sure to tell the dispatcher it is an electrical accident.
If you’re sure the circuit has been turned off, administer first aid (CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if you are certified).
Always seek medical help for an electrical contact accident. Electricity burns from the inside out, so some injuries might not be visible; your heart also can be affected several hours after the contact.
Downed power lines
If you’re in a car accident involving a power line, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
If you absolutely must leave the vehicle, hop out on both feet, being careful not to touch the car and the ground at the same time. Continue hopping with your feet together until you’re as far away as possible.