
That’s why we’ve put this checklist together, regarding the kind of emergencies you should prepare for from the moment you step through the front door. The more you know about getting work like this done, the easier you’ll find it to be a homeowner and live at peace within your property!
A Fire
You don’t ever want to think about a fire happening to you, but there’s always a chance one could occur when you’re in your own home. Whether a candle has burnt down and not been caught properly, or there’s a bit too much grease in the kitchen, there’s always a chance a spark will light and something will go up in flames.
Because of this, make sure you’re ready to counteract a fire and get you and your family to safety. Have fire safe materials around the house, invest in an extinguisher to make use of, get a fire blanket and have it stored in easy reach, and be sure to walk all household members through a fire drill. They’re not just for schools and businesses!
Foundation Leaks
Did you know your foundation may spring a leak at some point? Of course, it’s not the foundation itself that’ll start pouring water everywhere, but the pipes that live in your foundation could do exactly that.
As such, make sure you know the number of a reliable slab foundation leak repair company and note it down. You’re going to need their help when the concrete starts to bubble and show signs of water damage!
Indeed, the more you know about water damage in and around your home, the better. You shouldn’t even leave a damp looking spot to its own devices, and if your pipes are rattling or seem looser than usual, get them seen to by a professional. The time for DIY is various, but this is not one of them!
Flooding Bathroom Fixtures
Speaking of water damage, make sure you’re aware of how bathroom floods can occur too. Sometimes they come from the shower not being properly sealed, so the water comes straight out and soaks into the floor.
Sometimes the faucets weren’t attached properly, and when you turn them on, the water comes spraying out and gets everywhere.
Sometimes the bath has a crack in it, and even a tiny one you can’t see can cause a literal flood of damage if left untreated.
To prevent the flood from going too far, be sure to know where to turn off the water in your home. If you notice something in the midst of causing a flood, you’ll need to know where this setting lives so you can quickly stop the flow and prevent further damage from occurring.
Broken Entry Points
If the door won’t lock, or it gets stuck when you’re trying to open and/or close it, or it even rattles in the frame, it’s an emergency in the making. This could be a very genuine and dangerous security risk to your home, and the longer it’s left unattended, the more likely a break in will be.
Out of all the emergencies we’ve included on this list, a broken entry point is the one to move the fastest against. Call out a door repair, if you’re able to, or at least get a locksmith out to change the lock.
You should also assess why the issue has happened, whether it’s because of the door material shrinking or expanding in the weather, or something has actually broken the door frame. If you can, see about preventing the specific cause from ever happening again too.
A Pest Infestation
If you’ve got pests, you probably won’t know about them until they become obvious enough that they can’t hide anymore. And that’s when they turn into a real emergency. However, by that time it’s often too late for homegrown solutions – you’re going to need to call out the exterminator to get rid of the infestation for you.
But there are some signs you can be on the lookout for ahead of time. For example, mice droppings can be found behind appliances and within cupboards if you take the time to search them out. You can also listen for funny noises that indicate you have ants or wasps gathering somewhere in the home; in the case of the latter, it’s usually high up, so keep an eye on your attic!
Funky Smells
Now, these won’t always be an emergency in the making. Indeed, sometimes they come from a trash can that really needs taking out or from a drain that needs unblocking. A bit of elbow grease in both cases will deal with the smell swifty and simply.
However, there are a lot of ‘funky’ smells that drift around the home that can be a sign of something deeper and more dangerous occuring.
If there’s a bit of a ‘fishy’ smell in the air, it could be a sign that your electricals are on the fritz. If there’s a ‘musty’ smell in the air, it could be a sign that mold is rife in your home. Neither are good things to smell in the air, but don’t just air-freshen them away or light a scented candle to cover them!
Could you handle an emergency like the ones above? If not, and you’re a homeowner, it’s time to do your research, make sure you’ve got the right numbers in your phone, and put a home fund together. The latter will ensure you’ve got the budget on your side, but it’s knowledge to use it that’ll ensure your home stands the test of time while you’re in it!
Leave a Reply