Household emergency requires fast action

At any time of year, mishaps and breakdowns create situations that require immediate attention. The scenarios below should be dealt with as fast as possible to prevent expensive repairs, injury or death.

•Steam rising from a closed hot-water tap: The hot-water heater is overheating. Immediately turn on all the hot-water faucets in the house. Go to the circuit panel and switch off power to the hot water tank. Leave the water supply on. When the house faucets begin running cold water, turn them off. Call a plumber.

•During freezing weather, water doesn’t come out of a faucet: A pipe is probably frozen. Leave the cold-water faucet open. If you can access the pipe run, try to locate the frozen section (run your hand along the pipe to feel the coldest spot). If you see water on the floor in that area, the pipe has probably burst. If not, try to thaw it out by wrapping a towel soaked in hot water around it, and pouring hot water over the towel periodically. If the pipe has burst or you can’t thaw it, call a plumber.

•Smoking or sparking appliance: Don’t touch it! Run to the circuit panel and shut off the main switch immediately. Unplug the appliance when all house power is off, and then have it repaired by a professional. If an appliance or an outlet is on fire, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department. If the fire is very small, shut off the main switch and attempt to put it out with a household extinguisher after calling the fire department. If getting to the circuit panel or putting out the fire is too dangerous, just get out of the house.

•A strong smell of gas is in the house: Have everyone leave the house immediately, and call the fire department. Do not turn on any lights or strike a match. Go to the main gas supply valve (at the meter) and close the shutoff valve. (Note: It’s a good idea to tape an inexpensive wrench to the gas meter near the valve at your first opportunity, before a gas leak occurs, so you can shut the valve off with no problems.)

HOME TIP: Upgrade pilot lights with electronic ignition devices. This saves on natural gas consumption because the pilots don’t stay on constantly, and also increases safety by preventing gas from leaking into the home should a pilot light go out.