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Aluminum wiring can pose a significant fire risk because it tends to expand, contract, and overheat, leading to failing connections and splices. If your home has aluminum wiring, it doesn't always require a complete replacement, but you must take safety precautions. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection. Based on their findings, you have several options:

• Full Replacement: The safest but most expensive solution is to replace all aluminum wiring with copper.

• Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option, suitable for certain homes, involves adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire at connection points.

• Other Safety Upgrades: Your electrician may also recommend installing aluminum-compatible outlets and applying an anti-oxidant paste to connections to prevent corrosion.

Consulting a professional will help you determine the best course of action to ensure your home's wiring meets current safety standards.

If only half of your outlet works, there are usually two possible causes: faulty wiring or a half-hot outlet. The first thing you'll want to do is check the circuit breaker panel to ensure that it's not tripped. If your circuit breaker isn't tripped, turn off the electricity and inspect the wiring to see if anything has come loose or corroded. 

If you have a half-hot outlet, it means half of the outlet is controlled by a switch somewhere on the same circuit, which should be nearby. This is an intentional electrical design commonly found in rooms without overhead lights.

Call your utility company immediately. Do not go outside, even in your own yard, and keep pets indoors. Downed power lines pose a serious electrocution hazard. They can also cause large power surges that could damage your appliances, so it’s a good idea to shut down power to your home if possible. If your breakers trip, leave them off until the utility company finishes its repair work.

If you’re someone who likes to tinker around the house and make DIY repairs, a multimeter or voltmeter can be a great tool to have around, especially if you’re comfortable with electrical repairs. That said, if working with electricity feels out of your depth, you don’t need to invest in a multimeter. Reach out to an electrical pro for any electrical work you need done if any part of you is hesitant about a project.