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Having a safe roof over your head is a privilege but owning or renting a home also comes with many responsibilities. Household emergencies are bound to crop up at some point and it can make the situations far less stressful if you’re prepared for them. Even though it’s not possible to be prepared for everything, there are things you can do to cover most things.
Take a look at these common house emergencies and this simple guide on what to do if one of them ever happens in your home.
Power Blackout
Blackouts or power failures are completely out of your control. In many cases, they happen when something goes wrong with the power supply in your location. At times, they can be controlled blackouts for various reasons.
They often happen unexpectedly which means many homeowners are caught unaware. You can prepare yourself for this situation by stocking up on torches, batteries, and candles. Depending on how long the blackout lasts, it can also help to have a back-up generator, camping equipment for cooking food and tinned food and snacks. Board games or card games can be useful for entertainment while you wait.
Fire
Firstly, it’s important to do everything you can to prevent a fire from happening in your home. Always put out lighted candles and switch off all the power supplies when going to bed or leaving home. Avoid smoking or vaping indoors and keep flammable items away from open flames.
Realizing there’s a fire in your home can be terrifying but it’s important to stay calm. Alert everyone in your home to the fire and quickly make your way out of the nearest exit. Do not attempt to put the fire out yourself. Exit the building and call the emergency services at your first opportunity.
Blocked Toilet or Drain
You may come across this problem more than once. For the most part, this problem occurs because of what is put down your toilet or drain. However, it can be an unavoidable problem. You can prevent it by being careful about what you put down your drain and by unclogging your toilet and drains where you can.
If you notice water overflowing from your drains or toilets, it may have passed the point where you can fix the problem yourself. It’s wise to call a professional plumber and have your drains inspected so the problem doesn’t keep repeating.
HVAC Issues
Your heating and air conditioning is vital to how you feel indoors. The last thing you need is for your heating to stop working when the weather is cold or your air conditioning to stop when the temperature is high. HVAC systems can be complicated and trying to fix the problem yourself can do more damage.
It’s always wise to contact a HVAC company to evaluate your system and make any necessary repairs. It’s also important to schedule regular services for your system. Poor air conditioning and heating in your home can lead to ill health.
Damaged Roof
A damaged roof can cause an emergency in your household for many different reasons. Any holes in your roof can lead to water damage inside your home that can become worse if the problem isn’t rectified as quickly as possible. Damage to your roof is also an invitation for pests to your home.
Whether it’s birds making a nest, rodents, insects, or many more, once they’re in they can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. The longer the issue persists, the more damage you’re likely to get. You will need to contact a professional roofing company for an evaluation and repairs.
Locked Out
Getting locked out of your home is highly inconvenient and can escalate into an emergency if you need to gain access quickly or there are young children inside. The best way to combat this emergency is to leave a spare key in a safe place, like with your neighbor. Avoid leaving keys outside under plant pots because this gives criminals easy access to your home.
If you haven’t got a spare key available when you need to gain access to your home, you may need to contact your local police department or a locksmith. It can take time for a locksmith to open your lock so you may need to inform the police of forced entry if it’s an emergency.
Broken Door or Window
Doors and windows don’t last forever. You may notice that your windows aren’t closing properly or there’s a draught coming from your door. This makes your home unsafe and can be an invitation for burglary.
If you notice that your windows or doors aren’t working as they should, it’s important to get them repaired or replace them as quickly as possible. If the glass has smashed in your windows, getting the glass replaced is essential. Not only will it keep your home safe but it will also keep your home warm.
Gas Leak
Gas leaks are very dangerous. It can only take a small spark to cause devastating damage to your home if there is a gas leak present. If you smell gas in your home, it’s best to be safe rather than sorry. You can turn off your gas supply at the meter and call a gas fitter to ensure your home doesn’t have a leak.
Until your home has been checked, it can help if you and your family have somewhere else to stay. In the meantime, avoid any potential sparks at home. For instance, turning your electrical points off could cause a spark.
There are many emergencies that can happen at home and it’s important to be as prepared as you can. Keep emergency numbers in your contact list so you don’t have to search for reliable companies when you need them. It can also help to have a bag of essentials packed for everyone in your home in case you need to leave in an emergency.
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