 What to do in an emergency?
Never touch a person, who is in contact with electrical current, you too could receive a
shock. In case the incident has occurred inside, pull the plug if feasible or cut off the
supply from the mains. If you are outdoors, push the wire away from the victim, or the
victim from the wire, with a dry, unpainted pole or wooden board. Or you may even pull the
wire away with a loop of rope or any other non-conducting material. In case you have no
option available, you may pull the person away from the source of shock by pulling at his
clothing, if it is dry. But remember, do not touch the body of the person under any
circumstances. As the standard of living improves and modern appliances become more
affordable, the misuse of electricity also increases. A normal household starts using
appliances and electrical gadgets much more in number and load than what was envisaged at
the time wiring was initially done for the house. Overloading an electrical circuit can
become a major fire hazard in such cases.
 The position of the electrical cut-outs and fuse boxes should be easily
approachable in an emergency. It should not be locked. It is a good idea to have separate
mains for each room, so that you don’t have to rush to the main fuse box in an
emergency. It is advisable to have all the fuses and circuit breakers in the main fuse box
labelled, so that identification is easy in times of need. It would be better if all are
conversant with what to do in an emergency. Electrical switches, which become damaged due
to wear and tear, should be replaced with a switch of proper rating and at the earliest.
Rather any damaged switch, plug or socket should be immediately replaced. As far as
possible avoid the use of extension cords and in case you use one, it should be of optimum
capacity. Do not use it permanently. Extension cord should not be left dangling or
trailing on the floor. It can be hazardous for the very young and very old and those with
failing eyesight.
 Remember not to let the cord lie over wet or hot
surfaces or concealed under carpets and mats. This can damage their insulation, which in
turn can lead to short circuits and electrical shocks. These days at many private and
public functions people use electronic equipment like video cameras, lights and cassette
recorders that have electrical cords attached to them. These cords trail on the ground and
pose a danger of causing someone to trip and fall. Temporary wiring in religious, social
and family functions can even cause electrocution if wires with damaged insulation are
used. Use any electrical appliance with due care, especially if it is a newly acquired
one. Consult the instruction manual for correct operation and maintenance of the
appliance. Each time you use an appliance, remember to switch off and remove the cord from
the socket. Water and electricity do not go together so avoid wet hands at all costs while
operating any electrical appliance. Do not work in a damp or moist area and store all
electrical appliances in a damp area. In case your appliance gives a shock, do not use it
until the fault has been rectified. In case you are a DIY guy, use tools that have
insulated handles and casings.
 The arrangement of major electrical appliances like
TV and refrigerator should be away from a wall and such that they have adequate
ventilation for dissipation of heat generated. The air vents provided in these equipment
should never be covered. These equipments should also not be exposed to excessive
humidity.
Some more tips on safe use of electricity:
Check all connections regularly to ensure
they are tight.
Avoid working with electrical appliances on
wet or damp surfaces.
Never insert bare wires in a socket, always
use a proper plug.
Ensure that the leads are not broken or
damaged.
While inserting or removing the plug from
the socket, take care that the fingers do not touch the pins of the plug.
Do not pull out the plug by the cord, remove
it with a firm grip.
(concluded)
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