A Safety Drill To Come Home To
When we go to work, we undergo emergency training and drills. We are shown, and told how to act should anything happen. Yet, how many of us take the time to do this in our homes? If anything, getting on top of your home’s safety is more important, because it falls on you. There isn’t a workforce around to spot problems and act on them if you’re unable. That’s why you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the emergency centers in your home. That way, you know where to go should a problem arise. Here are a few emergency areas you need to understand.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity can be risky business. For the most part, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, when things go wrong, they go very wrong. Electrical faults can result in fires and shocks. Not to mention that they’ll leave you without power. First, it’s important you locate your electrical switchboard. This is where you’ll go when there’s a problem, so make sure you know the ins and outs necessary. From this switchboard, you’ll be able to turn off and on power supplies to individual rooms. You’ll also be able to shut down the power completely should the need arise. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different switches. If it helps, develop a labeling system that’s easy for you to understand.
PLUMBING
Plumbing issues may not be as fatal as electrical ones can be, but they bring issues of their own. If you have a burst pipe, you need to be able to turn the water off fast. Not doing this could result in significant damage to your home. A build up of water could be responsible for fallen ceilings. So, make sure you know where your stop valve is. This is what you use to turn off the water, and can usually be found under the kitchen sink. Failing this, you should be able to find it in an airing cupboard, or next to your water meter. To close the valve and stop the water, turn it clockwise. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to head outside to your stopcock. This is usually on the boundary of your property, and turning it will stop the water at the mains. Bear in mind that this will probably also stop water to your neighbors. You want to avoid turning it if possible.
GAS
You don’t need us to tell you how dangerous a gas leak can be. As well as being poisonous, gas poses a worse fire hazard than electricity. As soon as you smell gas in your home, you should call someone who knows what they’re doing. Open windows and doors and try to stay away from the smell. It’s also important that you turn your gas supply off as soon as possible. There will be an emergency stop valve on your gas meter. Make sure you know where this is so that you can act fast if the time comes.