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Emergency

What to do right now

Pick what's happening. Each card lists the first moves in order, then who to call. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.

Water is leaking or a pipe burstYou smell gas (rotten eggs)Sparks, smoke, or a burning smell from an outlet or panelPower is out in part of the houseThe toilet is overflowingThe carbon monoxide alarm is going off
A round gate valve and a lever ball valve, the two kinds of main water shutoff

Water is leaking or a pipe burst

  1. Turn off the main water shutoff. It's usually where the water line enters the house: street-side wall, garage, basement or outside. Clockwise for a round handle; lever across the pipe for a ball valve.
  2. Only a toilet or sink? Use the small valve behind or under it instead.
  3. If water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, stay out of the water and shut off power at the breaker only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
  4. Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the lines, and turn off the water heater.

Next: Call a plumber. Take photos for insurance before cleaning up.

How to find your main water shutoff →

You smell gas (rotten eggs)

  1. Leave the house now and take everyone with you.
  2. Don't flip light switches, use the phone inside, start a car in the garage, or light anything.
  3. Leave the door open behind you if it's safe.
  4. Once you're well away from the house, call your gas company's emergency line or 911.

Next: Don't go back in until the gas company or fire department says it's safe.

Sparks, smoke, or a burning smell from an outlet or panel

  1. If there's fire or heavy smoke, get everyone out and call 911.
  2. If it's safe, shut off power at the breaker for that circuit, or the main breaker. Don't touch anything that's hot, wet, or sparking.
  3. Unplug nearby devices only if you can do it without touching the damaged outlet.

Next: Call a licensed electrician before using that circuit again.

Outlets not working? →
GFCI outlet with its TEST and RESET buttons

Power is out in part of the house

  1. Unplug what was running on the dead outlets.
  2. Check for a tripped GFCI outlet in a bathroom, kitchen, garage or outdoors and press RESET.
  3. Check the breaker panel. Push a tripped breaker fully OFF, then ON.
  4. If it trips again right away, leave it off.

Next: Call an electrician if it keeps tripping.

Step-by-step: reset outlets and breakers →
Inside a toilet tank, showing the red flapper at the bottom to push down

The toilet is overflowing

  1. Lift the tank lid and push the flapper down to stop more water going into the bowl.
  2. Turn the small valve behind the toilet clockwise to shut it off.
  3. Stop flushing. Put towels down.

Next: Then plunge it once the water level drops.

How to unclog a toilet →

The carbon monoxide alarm is going off

  1. Get everyone, including pets, outside into fresh air right away.
  2. Call 911 from outside.
  3. Don't go back in until emergency responders say it's safe, even if the alarm stops.

Next: Have fuel-burning appliances inspected before using them again.

These steps are general safety guidance. When in doubt, get out and call a professional.