Home Emergencies¶
Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.
Problems at home can turn dangerous or costly fast. These guides cover the first steps for gas leaks, burst pipes, power outages, food safety, and structural issues, and tell you when to call a professional.
If this is happening right now¶
If you smell gas, leave the building first. Do not turn lights on or off, do not use a phone inside, and do not light anything. Then call the gas utility or your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) from outside.
If water is pouring into your home, find the main water shutoff and close it. Stay away from water near electrical outlets and appliances.
Guides in this section¶
Gas leak: what to do¶
Leave right away, with no flames, no switches, and no phones inside. This guide explains who to call and why you should only use the shutoff if the utility has shown you how.
Burst pipe: what to do¶
Close the main water shutoff, avoid electrical danger, drain the system, contain the water, and call a plumber. It also covers photos for insurance and how to prevent frozen pipes.
Power outage at home¶
Stay safe, protect your food, keep medical devices running, use generators outdoors only, and report the outage to your utility.
Spoiled food and fridge power outage safety¶
Food safety times, safe temperatures, and when to discard perishable food after a power outage.
Emergency pantry cooking and meal safety¶
Safe cooking methods, heat sources, and shelf stable meal prep during extended power outages or disasters.
Electrical fire and sparks¶
What to do if an outlet sparks or smells burning: cut power at the breaker panel, call an electrician, and never use water on electrical fires.
Frozen pipes¶
How to identify frozen pipes, thaw them safely without open flames, prevent bursting, and locate the water shutoff.
Roof leak¶
Immediate actions during a roof leak: catch water, protect belongings, relieve ceiling bulges safely, and call roofing assistance.
Broken window¶
Safe glass cleanup, securing your home temporarily with plastic or plywood, and keeping children and pets safe.
Sewage backup¶
Health precautions for a sewer backup, stopping water usage, avoiding contaminated water, and calling professional restoration.
Tree on house¶
What to do if a fallen tree damages your home: check structural safety, evacuate if unsafe, contact utility companies and insurance.
No heat in winter¶
How to stay warm safely when the furnace breaks in freezing weather, avoiding carbon monoxide hazards, and preventing frozen pipes.
Water heater failure¶
What to do if your water heater leaks or bursts: shutting off water, power, gas, draining the tank, and preventing water damage.
Flooded basement¶
How to safely handle a flooded basement: electrical shock prevention, sump pump failure, sanitizing, and preventing mold.
Appliance fires¶
What to do if a household appliance catches fire: clothes dryer lint fires, electrical appliance safety, and fire extinguisher use.
Locked out safely¶
What to do if you are locked out of your home: checking safe entry points, calling a licensed locksmith, and avoiding dangerous climb hazards.
Mold after water damage¶
How to handle mold after home flooding or pipe leaks: safety equipment, safe cleaning methods, and when to hire professional remediation.
Structural damage and collapse¶
How to identify building collapse warning signs: sagging roofs, bowing load-bearing walls, structural cracks, and immediate evacuation.
Major plumbing clog and toilet overflow¶
Immediate steps during severe drain blockages, main sewer line clogs, overflowing toilets, and shutting off water valves safely.
Air conditioning failure in extreme heat¶
What to do when HVAC or air conditioning fails during severe heatwaves: home cooling techniques, preventing heat illness, and system troubleshooting.
Thanksgiving and holiday emergencies¶
How to prevent and handle Thanksgiving emergencies: deep-fryer fires, foodborne illness, turkey thawing, choking, pet hazards, and family conflicts.
Swimming pool chemical and maintenance emergencies¶
Emergency recovery for neglected swimming pools, clearing green algae, chemical shock procedures, pump prime failures, and chemical safety.
Know your shutoffs¶
Find your main water valve, your electrical panel, and your gas shutoff before you need them. Show everyone in the home where they are. Gas and electrical work beyond a shutoff or breaker is for professionals, so call your utility or a licensed tradesperson.