We all hope to have problem-free lives but, inevitably, we will have to deal with larger issues at home every so often. The setback might be something relatively minor such as a blocked toilet, or it could be something much more substantial – how much of an issue would it be for you if you had a leaking roof?
Yet there will always be a solution to your problem. To deal with it, you need to make sure you can cope with whatever is thrown at you. So there are several things you should think about so you can take any home emergency in your stride.
Be prepared
You should make sure that you’re prepared before any emergency takes place. You need to check that your home has got insurance – and that it covers everything you want it to. Make sure your property is in good order, and find out where to turn off utility supplies in your house such as water, gas and electricity. You may also want to create an emergency pack for your home.
Check your heating system
No matter how well prepared you may be, an issue will occur at your home at some point. Having a broken heating system can be a huge problem for you, and there are four signs you need to look out for that indicate your unit needs to be replaced or fixed:
- It’s running, but there’s little or no heat coming out
- It’s making odd sounds
- It has trouble turning on most of the time, or doesn’t turn on at all
- It’s leaking
You may need professional intervention – particularly if your unit is leaking – but you can prolong the device’s life by routinely maintaining it. This can include regularly cleaning filters and wiping down the unit itself.
Take care of your roof
Another expensive emergency that will require a licensed professional to fix it will be a damaged roof. It might be that your gutters may be clogged – which you could remedy yourself – but, unless you keep your gutters clean, an insurance claim for items such as structural damage or overflowing water could be rejected.
If you are faced with a costly repair, you could consider getting a logbook loan to cover these expenses. You can choose a loan that best suits your circumstances, and you can quickly get the cash you require to get these essential fixes done.
Know what to do in a power outage
Having a power cut can happen every so often and, when it does occur, use a guiding light and check everyone is okay; you can use your phone for a light, for example. Look at other homes nearby and streetlights – if they still have power, check your fuses to see if there’s been an overload or had another problem.
If other people have had a power outage, then get in contact with your power company to report the issue and to find out about repair times. Plan to put any perishable items in your fridge-freezer on ice, or dispose of them, if you’re going to be without power for a few hours.
