Electrical safety
Switch off appliances during a power interruption
During a blackout or unstable supply, switch off and safely unplug non-essential appliances.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
Appliances may restart suddenly or receive a surge when power returns, causing injury, overheating, or fire.
Wrong action
Leaving cooking, heating, or moving appliances switched on during the outage.
Correct action
Switch off hazardous appliances, leave one light as an indicator, and inspect before restarting.
What to do
- Switch off cooking, ironing, heating, and motorised appliances first.
- If the area is safe, unplug non-essential equipment by the plug.
- When power returns, inspect and restart items one at a time.
If something happens
For smoke, fire, or electric shock, keep clear, isolate power only if safe, and call 999. Do not touch a casualty while they may still be connected to electricity. Once power is safely isolated, follow dispatcher first aid; if unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR as instructed.
Sources and review
- Electrical and Mechanical Services Department — Household electrical and gas safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09 - Electrical and Mechanical Services Department — Household Electrical Safety Handbook
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 - Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Post-dispatch Advice
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.