What actually counts as an electrical emergency
Not every electrical problem needs a middle-of-the-night response — but some absolutely do. If you're seeing or smelling any of the following, treat it as an emergency and call us right away, or your local fire department if there is an active fire risk.
Any burning plastic smell from an outlet, switch, or fixture. Smoke, sparks, or a scorched mark around an outlet or switch cover. A breaker that trips the instant you reset it. A panel that is warm to the touch or making a humming or crackling noise. Exposed live wires after a storm, fallen limb, or vehicle impact. A whole-house power loss when the neighborhood still has power. Water dripping onto or near your electrical panel.
These are situations where the risk is fire or shock, and the right move is to shut off the affected circuit at the breaker (if it's safe to reach) and get a licensed electrician on the phone. That's what we're here for.
