Emergencies We Respond To
Call us right away for:
- Burning smells from outlets, switches, or the panel
- Sparking, arcing, or smoking equipment
- Partial or total loss of power not caused by the utility
- Storm, flood, or fire damage to electrical systems
- Breakers that won't reset
- Exposed or damaged wiring
- Water intrusion into panels, meters, or outdoor equipment
What to Do Before We Arrive
If you see smoke or flames, leave the building and call 911 first. If it's safe, turn off power to the affected circuit or the main breaker. Don't touch damaged wiring or anything wet near electrical equipment.
If the whole neighborhood is dark, contact your utility — that's usually a grid outage. If only your home or business has lost power, call us.
A few quick notes while you wait: unplug sensitive electronics on the affected circuit if the outlet is intact and safe to reach, keep everyone clear of the area, and don't keep resetting a breaker that trips instantly — that's the system telling you something is wrong on that circuit.
Fast, Licensed Response
Our licensed electricians arrive equipped to make the situation safe, find the cause, and complete repairs whenever possible. That means testing gear, common replacement parts, and materials to make temporary safe connections where a full repair needs parts or permits.
We'll tell you honestly when something is safe to run overnight and when it isn't. Some faults can wait for daylight; others can't, and knowing the difference is part of what you're calling us for. Save our number: (202) 521-4835.
After the Emergency
Making the situation safe is the first step; understanding why it happened is the second. If a breaker failed, we ask why it was stressed. If wiring burned, we look for what overloaded it. Emergency repairs that skip the diagnosis just schedule a second emergency.
Once the immediate danger is handled, we document what failed and what was done — useful for insurance claims, and the starting point if larger work like a panel upgrade or circuit repair makes sense to prevent a repeat.
Emergency Calls We Get Most Often
Burning odors from outlets and panels top the list, followed by partial power loss after storms and breakers that trip repeatedly and won’t stay reset. Each has a short list of likely causes, and each is dangerous to ignore: a burning odor means something is overheating right now, and a breaker that won’t stay on means the fault is still there.
Water is the other frequent trigger — a flooded basement panel after a heavy rain, or storm-damaged exterior equipment. Water and electricity make a combination that deserves respect, and the safe answer is always to cut power and have the equipment inspected before restoring it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really answer 24/7?
Yes. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (202) 521-4835.
Is a burning smell from an outlet an emergency?
Yes. Turn off the circuit if safe and call an electrician immediately. If there is smoke or fire, call 911.
Do you handle commercial emergencies?
Yes. We respond to emergencies at homes and businesses.
My whole house lost power but the neighbors have lights. Is that an emergency?
If the outage is only your home, it's usually a service or main panel problem — call us right away. Check first whether your main breaker has tripped.
Can you make temporary repairs until a full fix is scheduled?
Yes. We make systems safe and, where possible, restore partial power temporarily while a complete repair is planned.