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There are many common home emergencies that can cause massive disruption to your family life or even change your life in ways you never expected. Insurance can help you deal with the aftermath of an event, but there is nothing more powerful than understanding what can happen and being prepared for it, especially when taking proactive preventative measures. So, from issues with the plumbing to being prepared for allergies, here are some handy suggestions.
The Dreaded Gas Leak
A gas leak in a home can come from numerous places, and some of the deadliest are undetectable. For example, carbon monoxide comes from anything that burns gas, including the boiler, and you won’t even know it is happening without an alarm. That’s why it is recommended to call plumbing and heating services for an annual service of the boiler. Of course, you can smell gases like propane. If you do, leave the house and call emergency services immediately.
Common Home Emergencies with Plumbing
Plumbing issues at home are among the most common, and many problems can cause you to waste 90 gallons of water a day. So there goes your sustainability goals! Of course, there are many things that require you to call Mario and Luigi, and some of these are as follows:
Clogged drains and toilets
Backed-up drains and toilets are by far the most common. However, relatively simple maintenance, such as using a drain cleaner, can reduce the chances of most problems.
Dripping taps
One of the biggest wastes of water (which will increase your bills) is leaking taps. These usually require an expert to replace worn-out washers, O-rings and seals, so don’t attempt this yourself.
Low water pressure
We all love a refreshing shower, but there’s nothing like dripping pressure to ruin your morning. Low water pressure can be a sign of pipe corrosion and mineral build-up inside the system.
Losing Power and Access to Services
Most modern families today rely on power to get even the most basic tasks done. From vacuuming the home to the kids’ homework, energy is valuable. However, we can lose power from time to time, and it can feel like the end of the world! A power outage can occur for many reasons, including lightning. So, unplug electronics to prevent surge damage, keep the fridge closed to preserve the cold and pack a blackout kit with torches, some food and water.
A Kitchen Grease Fire
For obvious reasons, most home fires start in the kitchen, but they are almost entirely preventable. Most people know that water puts out fires, right? Wrong! It depends on the accelerant that is fueling the fire, and kitchen grease explodes when you splash water on it. To prevent a kitchen grease fire, ensure everyone knows about the causes of the fire. But also, how to deal with a grease fire with fire blankets. However, you can put most out with the pan lid!
Electrical Common Home Emergencies
Problems with the electrical system at home are really common. However, you may not know that 90% of electrical fires are caused by product misuse. So before you grab the toolbox for some DIY HVAC repair, think about the problems and whether they require a professional.
Listen, you smell something?
One of the biggest signs of an electrical issue is a strange smell, and some other signs can make you think you have a ghost. But you don’t! A burning smell could indicate a faulty socket.
That switch is hot!
Another dead giveaway that there is a faulty socket is a hot switch. Plug switches shouldn’t be like that, and if they are, stop using them immediately and call an electrician to take a look.
That sound was you, right?
Electrical problems can also cause weird noises, again, just like ghosts! If you hear a strange buzzing sound or crackling, this can be a sign that something isn’t quite right with the electrics.
Some of the most common problems with an electrical issue at home can make you feel like you are on an episode of Ghost Adventures. But rather than being haunted by spirits, something far more dangerous is lurking when there are strange smells, sounds and hot switches!
A Choking Child or Family Member
One of the biggest fears in life is choking, whether for children or adults. The first thing most people do is panic, but that doesn’t help anyone. First, ensure that anything a child can choke on is out of reach. However, anyone can also choke on food. It helps to understand what to do in the event someone is choking. For babies, hold them forward and firmly smack their backs. For older kids and adults, the popular Heimlich Manoeuvre has the best chance of helping.
Accidental Swallowing of Poison
Accidents happen, and it isn’t uncommon for someone, especially babies, to accidentally ingest toxic materials and liquids. For example, those little laundry balls look like candy to toddlers. When a child ingests something like this, there isn’t much you can do. Of course, your first instinct might be to induce vomiting, but this can actually make it worse, so don’t do this unless an emergency service advisor tells you to. Of course, keep the packaging for doctors to check.
Common Home Emergencies with Allergies
It is estimated that between 10% and 40% of the global population experiences allergies. As you know, some of these can be fatal, especially food allergies such as peanuts, shellfish and eggs. However, there are some ways you can ensure the worst doesn’t happen at home:
- Keep adrenaline injectors close by in an easily reachable location inside the home.
- Ensure injectors haven’t expired and replace expired pens as soon as possible.
- Manage the home with ingredient checking, air quality devices and dust control.
A Sudden Head Injury
Whether a child or an adult, even the slightest bump can cause a concussion. If there has been an incident, you can reduce swelling with an ice pack. However, if the person is unconscious, then call emergency services immediately and tell them that there has been head trauma. If conscious, keep an eye on your child or relative, and call emergency services if they begin to vomit, become lethargic or act confused some time after the initial head impact occurred.
Summary
A gas leak is one of the most common home emergencies that can be prevented and prepared for with an annual service. However, your home’s electrical system can also pose a severe risk of not being used properly, and head trauma can manifest much later after the initial bump.
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