Please make sure you know the emergency phone numbers in your area for:

• Electricity;
• Gas; and
• Water.

Electricity

Make sure that you:

• know where the electricity fuse box is and how to switch it off;
• know which electricity switch is for what part of the property (preferably these should be labelled);
• know where to turn off the immersion heater (if water is heated by electricity it is normally by the hot-water cylinder);
• switch off appliances which are not in use (always switch off the microwave, kettle and television at night);
• wire all plugs correctly;
• check flexes regularly, never use damaged ones and do not run them under carpets or rugs;
• never wire more than one electrical appliance into one plug and do not use adaptors;
• do not run any appliances from a light fitting; and
• do not change or do any repairs to any of the electricity circuits, sockets or fittings in your home – use a qualified electrician.

Gas

Make sure that you:

• know where the gas meter is – if you have one;
• know how to turn off gas at the gas mains (usually a lever next to gas meter);
• know how to turn off gas at the boiler or gas water heater; and
• call the emergency gas service, and open all doors and windows to ventilate your home if you suspect a gas leak. Do not use any light switches, mobile phones or other electrical appliances, and leave your home.

Water

Make sure that you:

• know where the cold-water storage cistern is – if there is one; andknow where your hot-water cylinder is – if there is one.
• know where your water mains stopcock is (usually under kitchen sink or in the airing cupboard);
• know where the cold-water storage cistern is – if there is one; and
• know where your hot-water cylinder is – if there is one.