Are you prepared for possible home emergencies? No one expects disaster to strike, but when it does, some simple precautions can make the world of difference in your safety and the safety of your home.

The following article discusses some basic first-responses to common emergencies. Review these strategies and teach them to your family members – it is often the simplest thing that can make the biggest impact.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak . . .

Assume the worst, that there is a gas leak. Do not take the time to second-guess your suspicion or investigate it further – Act Now and take the following steps:

• Open the windows
• Do not switch lights or sockets ON or OFF
• Refrain from using a lighter or match
• Check that all gas appliances are turned off
• Turn your gas off at the meter

Reacting quickly and following these steps can help you prevent a fire or explosion from endangering your family and your home.

If there is a flood . . .

Sadly, flash floods can occur without warning. If you are not afforded time to prepare, take the following steps as soon as you suspect a flood:

• Move as many of your belongings upstairs
• Turn off all electrical appliances
• Obtain a water pump and begin removing as much water as possible immediately
• Contact your home insurer to make sure that you have adequate coverage and that they are aware of your situation. This is especially true if confronted with a flooded cellar; standing water often stays in your cellar for a long period, and as a result can create expensive damages.

If there is a water leak . . .

Water is the source of life on our planet, but it can also be a source of great destruction. You should inspect your exposed pipes regularly to catch leas early, but if a pipe does break then your efforts have to be geared toward minimizing the damage.

First, stop the water at the mains stop tap. Also, turn on all taps to drain the system. It is also important that you call your insurer to make sure you are covered, but most importantly, call a plumber!

If you incur storm or fire damage . . .

After your home has already been damaged, it is important that you protect it against further assault. As soon as it is safe to do so, weatherproof your home by boarding broken windows and covering any holes in the roofs or walls. By preventing further damage, you are helping to ensure that your property will be potentially salvageable.

Every home and situation requires different precautions after suffering damage; your building insurer should be able to provide you with advice that is more detailed. It is also important that you protect yourself after your home has been damaged. Do not take any unnecessary risks; move to emergency accommodations if your home is not fit to be lived in.

Know Your Insurance…

When a disaster strikes, it is not the best time to start reviewing insurance documents. Take the time now to learn exactly what you are insured against and what procedures need to be followed in the event of a claim. In the event of a problem, you should always make clear and detailed notes about the damage, including when and how it occurred.

Taking pictures of your home while it is in good repair is also a great idea because it provides you with a record to compare against the damages. Your photo file should also include any valuables that are covered in your insurance policy. Not only will this help with insurance, it will also help you to replace the items after they are lost. Memory is a tricky thing – you may be surprised how difficult it can be to recall the make of an electronic or even the exact look of a favourite piece of jewellery.

By being prepared for every possibility a home can face, you are taking the right steps forward to being ready when disaster does strike.