Some of these can be simple and some may take a bit of time to figure out.  So let’s begin our journey.

Everyone knows it’s not safe to smoke in your or fall asleep with candles still burning. But what many people don’t think about is if there home is safe now, and how to properly react if a safety hazard does arise.

First and foremost make sure smoke alarms are operable. If they are over 10 yrs old National Fire Protection Association recommends replacement. Older installations only have alarms on each floor and outside each bedroom. Today’s requirements have smoke alarms hardwired with battery backup in the bedrooms, hallways and on each floor. The newer requirements have drastically decrease burns/fires from scenarios like the above mentioned with candle fires and in bed smokers. Better yet stop smoking all together, you’ll be able to live longer and continue to read this exciting blog!

Next, know where to shut off your gas. If you are in a condo as your HOA how and what to do in case there is a gas leak at your fireplace, water heater, and gas cook top, etc. These items generally have an external shut off separate from each device but if you don’t know where it is ask the HOA or review owner’s manuals. Also there should be a gas shut off valve below your gas meter which needs a wrench to turn off. This turns off the gas to your entire unit/home, and is recommend to be turned back on by the gas service provider.

Water leaks are a big area of concern. Especially if a home owner is considering upgrades like toilets, sinks, etc. Often times the shut off valves for these older systems can be frozen or easy break during construction and the next shut off can be buried in the house or out in the street somewhere. Important to know where this valve is and how to operate to turn valve off.

Now if you have a hot water leak you will want to have access to the shut off above your water heater. This will stop the flow of hot water immediately. Otherwise you will be draining the system before the water flow stops. Also open a water valve that is draining properly like the shower to decrease water flow to the leaking area.

Last but definitely not least are electrical shut offs. First locate your electrical panel. There is a door on front covering the breakers open the door look for a large breaker depending on the size of the house the breaker is probably at the top and has a number either 100-200 representing amperage rating. This is the main electrical disconnect for your home and turns off all of the power for your home. If you are in a condo you probably don’t have a main electrical disconnect in your unit but instead have individually labeled breakers, disconnect being located below your electrical meter and isn’t always accessible. Prior to working on any electrical Know the circuit is shut off to prevent shock/fire hazards. When in doubt call a professional.