Utilities: Electricity

Learn the locations of all electrical shutoffs in your building (or on your grounds), and share that information with all staff and regular volunteers. Also ensure that everyone knows how to turn off the electricity in an emergency. Exposed wiring or sparks can cause injury, fire or property damage.

Remember, standard fuses boxes have three settings: on, off and – usually in between them – “tripped”. If a fuse is in the “tripped” position, you will need to move it first to Off, then back on. If there is a real problem such as exposed electrical wiring, be sure the breaker is fully to Off and do not turn it back on until the problem is repaired.

Post a sign clearly marking the shut-off location. You can download such a sign from http://www.FirstVictims.org/tools

If your wiring is damaged and you must turn the electricity off, do not turn it back until a professional electrician has confirmed that it is safe.