Life in lockdown has been challenging for people all over the world. Some have been unable to work or forced to work from home. Many of us are having to home school our children, or commit significant time to take care of our families. Many are struggling to get the supplies that they need, as well as missing families and friends. We’re in our homes for far more substantial periods, and trying to find ways to keep busy, as well as healthy and happy.
Another challenge that some will have to face is coping with some kind of emergency at home. You might have a DIY disaster, your boiler could break, or a pipe could burst. Usually, you’d simply head to a DIY store, ask your dad to come around and help or get in touch with a local tradesman. But, now, things are different. We have to consider social distancing before we do anything, and it may not be as easy to find supplies as it would have been a few weeks ago. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do if you find yourself facing a home emergency while you are in lockdown.
Call in Help
While not everyone is able to work normally, you can still reach plumbing services and other professionals in an emergency. But, precautions such as wearing a mask and limiting contact while they are in your home may have to be taken, so be prepared for a different kind of service.
Turn to DIY
If there’s a serious emergency, and you lack the skills to fix it, you are usually better off getting help in than going it alone. But, if you are a keen DIYer, or the problem isn’t that bad, you may be able to deal with it on your own, or at least patch things up, so that you don’t need help until life has started to return to normal.
Ask For Advice
If you’d rather not take the risk of inviting someone into your home, you could always ask for advice. A professional may be able to walk you through on a video call or send you detailed instructions. If you have a friend or family member that’s good in a crisis, give them a call.
Take Care of Your Home
Of course, the best way to avoid emergencies and breakages at home is to take care of your home and its appliances in the first place. Look after things, and they’ll last for longer, saving you money and reducing risks.
Check Local Restrictions
Lockdown isn’t the same everywhere. Different areas have different restrictions, varying guidelines and differing interpretations of social distancing. Check online for the restrictions in place in your area, so that you know what options are available to you.
Contact Your Landlord if Renting
If you are renting the home that you are living in, your landlord is usually responsible for repairs and replacements. Get in touch as soon as you can, explaining what has happened and talking through the next steps with them.
