Here are some guidelines to aid you
in the event that you experience any of these emergency situations:
Complete Loss of Heat
Check the function of the thermostat -- has the main floor thermostat
been switched to the off setting?
Check to see if the master electrical power switch has been shut
off.
Check the temperature inside/outside the home -- if outside temperatures
are moderate (Fall and Spring) the home will not cool down to an
unreasonable temperature so standard service call during business
hours may be suggested.
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, make sure that the exterior
vents are not blocked by snow this condition can trigger a shut down
of the furnace.
Gas Leak
Everyone in the home should leave immediately and the appropriate
gas utility and/or repair service must be contacted immediately.
Complete Loss of Electricity
Determine whether an area wide situation exists ñ the local
electrical utility will handle the problem in this situation.
If part of the home is off, perform a routine check of the circuit
breakers, ground fault interrupters, etc.
Only in the case where there is no electricity in the entire home
(unique to this home only) will an emergency service call be required
Complete Stoppage of Sewage Disposal
Determine whether an entire blockage exists - odour in basement
and sewage spilling into the basement from the floor drain are typical
indicators.
Where a fixture (sink, toilet) is blocked but all other fixtures
function normally, a regular service call on the next business day
should be appropriate.
Most homes have more than one toilet and tub/shower fixture. Although
it may be inconvenient for you when a fixture cannot be used, it
is not considered an emergency when other fixtures still function.
Plumbing Leaks
Determine the nature of the leak and whether you can isolate the
problem by shutting off individual line or fixture valves. Where
a leak can be stopped in this manner and you have the use of plumbing
fixtures, this situation is not deemed an emergency and can be handled
by a normal service call
For a situation where the entire house must be shut down at the
main shut off or for the unusually situation where the service from
the street is broken/frozen etc., then an immediate service call
must be arranged.
Major Water Penetration
Determine the location and severity of the leak.
Where the leak is minor such as through window or door seals or
minor seepage through basement cracks (no major/continuous accumulation
of water), you should be able to deal with the situation until a
normal service call can be arranged.
Where water penetration is continuous, especially through the walls
and roof that may likely cause collapse of drywall or severely damage
interior finishes, a service call should be made immediately. Temporary
measures will probably be required to stop or reduce the penetration
to a manageable level until such time as the exact cause can be determined
and a correct repair implemented. |
