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Home Emergency: Planning for the Unexpected
Owning your first home is really exciting, but realizing that you can no longer call a landlord when something goes wrong can be a little bit intimidating. Our real estate agents want to help eliminate any anxiety you may feel by sharing ways you can be prepared to resolve some of the most common issues yourself. Here are a few precautions you can take.
• Power Outage
Don't get caught in the dark when there's a blackout. You can dodge a bullet by maintaining a supply of portable LED lights for each room. Rechargeable bulb lights hang anywhere and have a much longer lifespan than standard flashlights. Syles and prices are almost limitless. When the lights go out, it's also a good idea to disconnect most appliances and electronics so that they aren't damaged by a surge when the power comes back on. If anyone in the home requires electrically powered medical equipment, it's important to have a battery or generator backup plan.
• Fires
Don't try to extinguish flames on your own. Call 911 immediately, get everyone out of the house, and wait for help to arrive. In addition to cooking fires, candles are a main source of house fires. To avoid them, be sure to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Turn Off the Water
Few things can cause more expensive damage to your home than water from ruptured pipes or a faulty water heater. The last thing you want to have to do in this case is search for the water main, and then discover you don't have the tools to shut it off. As soon as you move in, make note of where the valve is located. Once you find it, open the cover and check to see if you can simply turn a lever by hand, or if you need a special tool. That tool would be a water meter key, available at most hardware stores. If the valve is a significant distance from the cover, you will need one that is shaped like an elongated T. If not, the key may resemble a wrench with an angle in the middle. Sinks and toilets also have water controls just beneath them.
• Overflowing Toilet
If water is still flowing into a clogged toilet, open the lid and make sure the flapper is down and the water is stopped. If you can't stop it there, turn the valve near the bottom of the toilet. Then use a plunger to clear the clog.
• Insect Invasion
Ants, spiders, and other insects are unwanted guests that make their appearance with no warning. You may wake up to a trail of ants covering the dog's dish. Before you grab a can of toxic spray that can endanger your pets and children, reach for the diatomaceous earth. Made from the skeletal remains of minute sea creatures known as diatoms, food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe around people, pets, and birds, but shrivels insects in seconds. It works by drying out the exoskeleton.
With so many beautiful Morgantown homes for sale, both first-time buyers and experienced homeowners are sure to find the perfect house. Contact us to help navigate your search.
Bill Porter, Broker
(304) 612-3746207 Aurora Dr
Morgantown, WV 26508
WEST VIRGINIA LICENSES BROKER WVB240300963
AGENCY 010271-00
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Office License No. 010271-00