Janet Thompson
How to Successfully Handle a Household Emergency
Would you know how to handle a household emergency if you came face-to-face with one? An emergency requires action. First and foremost, teach your children how to call 911. Here are three common household emergencies that you can prepare for, in case it happens to you!
How to know if you have a gas leak?
Teach your family about gas safety. If you smell an instantly recognizable rotten-egg odor, or hear a hissing sound and you can’t find the cause, leave the house immediately. Don’t turn on the lights, light a match, or smoke. In case of a leak, know where the main gas shut-off valve is located and turn off the valve. Check the gas connections to your stove and other gas appliances to ensure they aren’t split or worn. If you plan to dig outdoors, contact the utility company to mark where the gas lines are located. To be sure, you also can install a natural gas detector.
What to do in case of a home fire?
Install smoke alarms in all sleeping areas on each level of your home. Check the batteries every month and replace them once a year. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand, inspect them regularly, and know how to use them. Buy multi-purpose extinguishers. Keep one in the kitchen, garage, and nearby the furnace and hot water heater. Plan at least two escape routes. Choose a safe place for your family to meet that is away from your house.
How to prevent a home power outage?
Don’t plug in too many kitchen appliances into the same outlet, you may overload the circuit. If you loose power in one part of the house and not another, you’ve probably overloaded the circuit. Store working flashlights, candles and matches in at least two areas of your home. Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio available for news updates. Buy a DC-to-AC auto adapter if you use a laptop computer. Most laptops can operate from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.
Janet Thompson
Star Real Estate South County
(949) 795-9949
Janet_Thompson@cox.net
“Visit my website” www.JanetThompson.com
“A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul”
