You and your family should know how to handle a sudden, overnight emergency. Try to resolve the problem yourself before calling a professional. Here is the basic knowledge that each of your family members must know.
A first aid kit contains bandages, alcohol, tourniquets and other basic medical supplies. If someone breaks a limb or gets a deep cut, the first aid kit is the first tool that you grab on your way to the hospital. In some cases, you won't need to go to the hospital if you use the supplies correctly.
A toilet could break and flood in the middle of the night, or a wall pipe could break and leak. When this happens, you need an emergency plumber that cannot wait until the next morning.
Shower drains are blocked often, and chemical-based drain cleaners do not always work. Emergency drain cleaning is recommended to people who must use the shower and go to work early in the morning. With any serious plumbing problem, maintain a list of qualified emergency plumbers near you. When the problem happens again, all you need to do is call.
Most kids are familiar with fire drills, during which they walk to the nearest emergency exit. Similarly, host home safety drills for your family. Create an emergency escape plan that includes exit doors and windows. Teach them how to use a fire extinguisher or blanket to extinguish small fires.
Power outages occur during hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. There are certain steps to take to generate backup power and prevent further damage to your electrical fixtures. The first step is to turn off your appliances, and use alternative sources like candles or flashlights. If a generator is available, use it outdoors and away from the home due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
A broken pipe or appliance causes a leak that easily floods if it's not stopped right away. Teach your family how to handle a water leak safely. First, determine the source of the leak, and second, turn off the main water line. Remain safe when cleaning up the water by not touching damp electrical outlets or appliances.
There are ways to prepare your family for an emergency at any time of the day. You may be located far away from a hospital or prefer to resolve the problem yourself without visiting the ER. Prepare the most essential items to protect your family's safety. In addition, perform regular safety training to ensure that they act properly in an emergency.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.