Tips for Emergency when at home

Tuesday 19th, April, 2011

Go Haven have compiled useful tips for home owners, landlords and tenants in the event of an emergency.

Water

•  Find your incoming mains water STOP TAP usually found under the sink, near the bottom Shelf

•  To see if it works ,turn it off, then turn on the sinks cold tap- it should slow down and stop

•  Also check to see if you have a BOUNDARY STOP TAP - This is the property of the
    water authority, its usually situated on the pavement or verge.

•  On older property it can supply 2 or 3 properties, notify other users if you have to turn off.

•  Modern boundary stop taps sometimes incorporate the water meter

Bursts and Leaks

•  Turn main STOP TAP OFF

•  Turn ON bath, sink, and basin taps until the flow of water has stopped

•  Call a Plumber

Freezing Conditions

•  Turn main STOP TAP OFF if you are going away during the Winter period

•  Turn ON bath, sink, and basin taps until the flow of water has stopped

Frozen Pipes

•  If you suspect pipes are frozen DON'T IGNITE HEAT SOURCE i.e. Boiler
    (especially solid fuel boilers)

•  REASON: If the vent pipe is frozen the boiler may explode

GAS

If you smell GAS:

•  DON'T use a naked flame

•  DON'T switch on/off lights and sockets

•  DO open windows and doors

•  Find the GAS METER and TURN OFF supply

•  Contact either Transco 0800 111 999 (note this number) or a Gas Safe registered engineer

Gas Fires and Appliances

If you feel drowsy in a room which has a GAS FIRE or GAS/OIL APPLIANCE:

•  TURN IT OFF

•  Have it inspected IMMEDIATELY before using again