Household Emergencies Peoria IL

During a crisis, it’s easy to lose focus. 9-1-1 Emergency is only 3 numbers for a reason. Whether there’s a power outage, a gas leak, or your home has caught fire, knowing how to handle each situation is crucial. You can help make the situation easier if you know a few simple things ahead of time.

Locate Your Emergency Shut Off Valves

Many of us have been there, ankle deep in toilet water, frantically mopping, watching in anguish as water spreads to another room. In that moment, you are probably thinking one of two things: "How do I make this stop?" or "Why did I come in here with my brand new shoes on?"

A bit of advice: Know where your emergency shut-off valves are located. In the event of a gas leak, a plumbing emergency, or an electrical emergency, the shut-off valve can save you money and can even save your life. But many homeowners don’t even know where to look for them.

The main water shut-off valve is usually located next to the water meter, outside, near the street. Or you might find it in the basement or in a floor access panel. The gas shut-off valve is usually located on the gas inlet pipe close to the gas meter. And finally, the electrical disconnect is generally located in or near the circuit box, which is located in the garage, outside, or in a utility room.

Make a Plan for a Possible Gas Leak

If you smell gas in your home or hear gas seeping out of a broken line, act quickly. Get everyone out of the house, and leave as many windows and doors open as possible. This allows the gas to rise out of the house and dispel. Use a cell phone or the neighbor’s telephone to call the gas company or the fire department. The gas company can turn off your services and the fire department can safely locate the leak.

If you suspect that the leak is small, shut off the gas yourself using the gas shut-off valve. But remember, any sort of electric spark could ignite the gas. Do not use a telephone, turn the lights on or off, light a match, or use any electronic devices. Just get to the shut-off valve as quickly as you can. After you’ve turned the gas off, call the gas company. They can give you further instructions on repairing and restoring your services.  

Prepare For a Power Outage

A power outage is a big inconvenience. You could be watching the final episode of your favorite soap opera—and right when Marcia’s about to tell Dominic if she’s been cheating on him with his estranged father, the TV goes black. Not only did you just miss the television event of the season, but you also just realized that you don’t have a flashlight.

Before you find yourself in this situation, put your power outage supplies in one drawer or one box. Here’s what should be in it: Flashlights, extra batteries, candles, and matches. But remember—never leave a burning candle unattended.

The first thing to do when the power goes out is to see if it’s the entire neighborhood or just your house. If it’s just your house, use your flashlight to check the fuse box and circuit breakers. If a circuit breaker or fuse need replacing, unplug the major appliances beforehand to avoid electrical system damage. If your whole neighborhood is experiencing the same outage, the power should likely be up and running within hours. Meanwhile, turn off electrical appliances, the air conditioner or heater, and the computer. 

If you are worried about staying warm, the best alternative heat sources are a fireplace or a wood stove. It is also a good idea to put on extra layers of clothing. Never use charcoal grills, gas ovens, gas ranges, or propane heaters as alternative heat sources. These create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if used indoors.   

 Know What to Do in Case of a Fire

Fires spread fast. If there is a fire in your home, your number 1 priority is to get everyone out the house as fast as you can and call 9-1-1. 

Tragedy can be prevented with adequate preparation. Check the batteries in your smoke detector. Then plan escape routes from every room in the house. Make sure the windows on the second floor have escape ladders. Designate a place to meet outside so you can quickly see that everyone has found their way to safety. Bring your cell phone or use a neighbor’s telephone to call 9-1-1. 

If the fire is small and contained to its source, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. Do not use water on an electrical fire or oil or grease fire—it will only spread it further.

Make a List of Emergency Phone Numbers

The last thing you want to do during an emergency is look up a number in the phone book. Make a list of important numbers ahead of time. Include the gas a company, the plumber, the hospital, an ambulance, the fire department, the electric utility company, the poison control center, and so on. Once you have made the list, post one by every phone in the house. Consider programming the numbers in your cell phone, in case you have to evacuate your house before getting to a landline.

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