Emergency 911 Be Prepared in an Emergency

Electric Shock

An electric shock can happen even when a small amount of electricity goes through your body. Your body is about 60% water so that makes you a good conductor. The amount of electric current (amps) is what hurts you. The pressure of the current (volts) affects how you are hurt. Electric shock can be strong enough to knock you down, knock you unconscious, cause paralysis and even death.

What to do . . .

If someone receives a shock from an electrical appliance like a toaster or a power tool like a drill, DO NOT TOUCH THE PERSON! You could get shocked too! Get an adult to unplug the appliance or turn off the power at the main switch box. Once the power source has been turned off keep the person warm and laying down until help arrives.

If someone receives a shock from a fallen power line, DO NOT TOUCH THE PERSON OR REMOVE THE POWER LINE! Call the police and the power company right away.

Dial "911" for emergencies or "0" for an operator that can help you if you don't know the phone number to the police or fire department. Be sure to always get help from an adult or neighbour.

Electrical Fire

Electricity is hot and can cause fires. A light bulb that is hot can get too close to something that can burn and catch it on fire. Insulation on an overloaded cord can melt, exposing live wires. These wires can spark and cause a fire.

What to do . . .

Leave the area and get help. Tell an adult and call the fire department. Never put water on an electrical fire. It can make it worse. Make sure you have a chemical fire extinguisher on each floor of your home and know where it is and how to use it safely..

Always plan an emergency escape route from your home. Make a line drawing of all the rooms in your house and map out an escape route with your whole family. That way everyone knows where to go. You can practice your escape plan with your family just like you practice a fire drill at school. Make sure you all agree on a meeting place after your escape, like at a neighbors house or certain place in your yard. That way you'll know everyone got out safely.

Dial "911" for emergencies or "0" for an operator that can help you if you don't know the phone number to the police or fire department. Be sure to always get help from an adult or neighbour.