Alas, the joys of being a homeowner. It’s so good until something goes wrong. While having your own space has many benefits, there are a lot of unrealized incidents that could happen around your house. Do you know how to react to the most common home emergencies? Let’s examine now.
Power Failures-
If the lights go off, it’s best to determine whether it is really a power outage or a problem within a breaker. You can start by checking the neighbor’s house for power. If they are fully functional, then you know the problem may be within your home. Take a look at your home’s main electrical box to see if you have any blown fuses or perhaps tripped a breaker.
If you determine that it is an outage then you should turn off your appliances. Be particularly mindful of your stove. A forgotten burner left in the on position could lead to big trouble later. Besides, the simple step of turning off your gadgets during a power outage protects them from potential electrical surges in the future.
Once that is taken care of, it’s time to report the outage. Contact your electric company to tell them that service is not working. They can usually respond with further instructions.
Fire-
There is a lot of information regarding home fires. While this post from wikiHow provides the full detail, here are the 3 basic steps:
1. React as soon as you hear a fire alarm.
2. Protect yourself from smoke inhalation.
3. Exit safely.
Clogged Toilet-
A clogged toilet is usually easy to fix. If the water is not exiting the toilet fast enough for a full flush, the first step is to try to plunge it. If you find that your toilet is coming close to overflowing, then quickly use its water shut-off valve. You can again, try to plunge it and see if that solves the problem.
You will know the clog has cleared when you suddenly hear the flushing noise. If you’ve plunged until there’s no more water in the bowl, you can refill your toilet by turning its shut-off valve back on. After a few failed attempts of plunging, it may be time to snake your toilet or to call a plumber.
Water Leaks-
Speaking of water, another common emergency is a water leak. The trick to water leaks is identifying their locations and stopping them at the source. If it’s a simple leak from the sink, you can use the water valve at the pipe to stop the flow. Then you would just repair or replace the broken piece.
However, if it a significant leak or behind a wall, you may need to turn off your home’s main water supply. In the case of water, it’s better to address things right away. Additionally, cover or relocate items that may be damaged by the spill.
Gas Leaks-
Gas leaks give off a rotten egg smell. Accompanying the bad odor, you may also hear a hissing or blowing noise near gas pipes or appliances. If you suspect a gas leak, you need to leave the property right away. While leaving your property, do not touch lights, flames, or electronics. Once you are in a different location, contact your gas supplier to dispatch emergency service. If the number is not readily available, call 911.
Roof Collapse-
A roof collapse is one of the common home emergencies that typically shows warning signs before occurring. Here’s what to look out for:
- A sagging ceiling
- Discoloration on the ceiling
- Cracks in your home’s masonry
- Bends or deformities of the roof structure and shingles
Address these items before they become an emergency. If you have a sudden roof collapse, leave the property and contact a professional.
Common home emergencies happen
While we hope never to face any incident, there’s peace of mind in knowing how to react to these situations. If you go through one of these common home emergencies, the important thing to remember is to stay calm. Make protecting yourself and your family the priority and take everything else one step at a time.
