4 Home Emergencies and What to Do In Each Situation

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What constitutes a home emergency for you? Would you know what to do if something went wrong in your home? While calling 999 if your life is in danger is advised, if you experience any other type of home emergency, such as a leak, fire or you get locked out of the home, would you know what to do? Being prepared for such situations can make a significant difference, empowering you to handle them effectively.

In this post, we’ll walk you through some common home emergencies and the steps you need to take to handle them effectively. From floods to gas leaks, we’ve got you covered.

Flood

If you have a leak or flood inside your home, the first thing you need to do is locate your stopcock and turn off the water supply. This can help avoid making the issues even worse. Locate the source of the problem and ensure that it is safe, and then call an Emergency Plumbing service to help you fix the damage. Remember, professional help is always available, and it’s best to rely on them to avoid any further complications.

Locked Out

We’ve all been there; you’re in a rush, you leave the house, and as the door clicks shut behind you, the realisation that your keys are locked on the other side dawns on you, and you have no way of gaining entry back into your home. Having a spare key with a neighbour or family member you can easily get to or in a lock box on your property can help you gain entry back into your home. Failing this, your only other options are to see if you can gain entry via an open window or door, if it’s safe, or call an emergency locksmith to get you back in again.

Gas Leak

Gas leaks can be lethal, and many lives are lost across the country due to gas leaks. All it takes is for one small spark to set off a catastrophic chain of events that can cause damage to your home, neighbouring properties, and other people’s lives. If you smell gas, you need to do the following: understanding the urgency and potential dangers involved.

• Do not turn any lights on or smoke
• Turn off the gas supply
• Open all the windows
• Call the Gas Emergency number to report a gas leak.
• Vacate the premises and ensure to let people know so they can stay safe.

Fire

If you experience a fire at home, the first thing to do is to remain calm and access any fire fighting tools you might have at home if it’s safe to do so, i.e., for smaller appliance fires or isolated incidents. If it’s an electrical fire, isolate the cause if possible, and do not use water to extinguish it. Always call 999 as soon as possible if you are unable to tackle it yourself. For any other type of fire, you want to stay low, cover your mouth to avoid breathing in smoke and make your way out of the nearest exit. Do not go back in to save any belongings; ensure your family is safe, and once you are out, stay out and move away from the property.