The Priority office will determine if it IS an emergency, and if so will call the make sure the repair is done within 24 hours.

Hopefully, you will never have to deal with an emergency or if you do a member of staff will be available to help out. Things can go wrong at odd times however so you should try to be wise BEFORE the event. Here are a few common worries and ways of dealing with them.

Gas leak

If you smell gas open all the doors and windows and put out all naked lights.

DON'T SWITCH ON A LIGHT as this could cause an explosion. The most common problem when you smell gas is that a flame has gone out when the gas is still on. Check the pilot lights of fires and cookers to see if this is the case. If so, turn off, wait for the gas to clear and then re-light. If this is not the problem TURN OFF AT THE MAINS and contact the gas board and Priority immediately. Someone will call straight away.

Burst pipe

If you get a burst pipe you must turn off the water immediately. This is done by turning off the stop cock and you should find out where this is NOW (it is usually under the sink). Once the water has stopped there is not much you can do so call Priority and a member of staff will arrange for a plumber to call.

Fire

Obviously the best advice in the event of a fire is "get the hell out" but there are many types of fire and you maybe tempted to try to deal with some of them. If it is an electrical fire you must remember never to throw water on it as you stand a good chance of being electrocuted if you do. If the chip pan is on fire, smother it with a damp blanket or towel and remember not to open doors if you smell smoke because this will help the fire to spread.

Power cut

It is a good idea to keep a torch handy in case the lights go out suddenly. If this happens it is probably because a fuse has blown and this can be solved by replacing the wire. However, putting the wrong strength wire in a fuse can be very dangerous so unless you are absolutely sure about what you are doing wait until a member of staff can help.

While it is unlikely that you will ever have to deal with an emergency you should prepare yourself. Finally, remember that most emergencies need never happen.

To cut down your risks

Don't dry clothes near a fire and leave the room;

Unplug sockets at night and when you go away;

Make sure plugs to all electrical items are properly fitted and that they have the correct strength fuse;

Don't overfill chip pans and don't leave the room when in use.