Electrical emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether it's a total power loss at your commercial facility in Geebung during peak operating hours, or a sparking switchboard at your home in Everton Hills in the middle of the night, electrical faults are stressful and potentially dangerous.
At FCF Fire and Electrical Brisbane, our 24/7 emergency electricians are always ready to respond. But what should you do in the crucial minutes between discovering the fault and our technician arriving? Here is a step-by-step guide to keeping yourself and your property safe.
Step 1: Do Not Touch the Faulty Equipment
⚠ This is the most critical rule of any electrical emergency. If you see a sparking outlet, a smoking appliance, or exposed wires, do NOT touch them. Even if you think the power has tripped, residual current can still cause a fatal shock.
Keep all staff, family members, and pets well away from the area.
Step 2: Turn Off the Main Power (If Safe to Do So)
If the emergency involves a specific appliance or power point, and you can safely access your main switchboard without going near the fault, turn off the main power switch.
⚠ Warning: If the switchboard itself is sparking, smoking, or smells like burning plastic, DO NOT touch it. Evacuate the immediate area and wait for the emergency electrician.
Step 3: Call an Emergency Electrician
Once you are safe, call a licensed 24/7 emergency electrician. When you call FCF Fire and Electrical Brisbane on 07 3568 5825, be prepared to provide:
- Your exact address
- A clear description of what happened (e.g., "We heard a loud pop and now the switchboard is smoking")
- Whether anyone has been injured
- If the power is currently on or off
Step 4: Handle Electrical Fires Correctly
⚠ If an electrical fault ignites a fire, NEVER use water to extinguish it. Water conducts electricity and will result in a severe electric shock.
If you have a fire extinguisher, ensure it is a Dry Chemical Powder (ABE) or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher, which are safe for electrical fires. If the fire is spreading rapidly or you do not have the correct extinguisher, evacuate the building immediately and call 000.
Step 5: Unplug Sensitive Electronics
If you have experienced a power surge or a partial power outage (where lights are dim but not fully off), unplug sensitive electronics like computers, servers, and televisions. When the power is restored, another surge could occur, which may permanently damage these devices.
Step 6: Gather Flashlights
💡 Tip: If your emergency occurs at night, do not use candles. The open flame poses a secondary fire risk, especially if the electrical fault has caused any surrounding materials to smoulder. Use battery-powered flashlights or the torch on your smartphone while you wait for the electrician.
Why Choose FCF for Electrical Emergencies?
When you have an electrical emergency on Brisbane's northside, you need a team that is local, licensed, and equipped to handle the problem immediately.
Based in Everton Hills, FCF Fire and Electrical Brisbane provides rapid response 24/7 emergency services from the Brisbane CBD to Caboolture and the Redcliffe Peninsula. Our vans are fully stocked with emergency repair equipment, meaning we can usually make your property safe and restore power in a single visit.
Save our number in your phone today: 07 3568 5825. When an electrical emergency strikes, we're just a phone call away.