Things breaking: bad-day checklists

If you're in danger, call 911. Call 911

Something broke. Of course it did, it's Friday night.

Quick steps for the worst moments, then how to find someone good to fix it.

You smell gas

Leave right away, on foot, and get others out. Don't try to find the leak.
Don't flip light switches, use phones, start a car, light anything, or unplug things inside.
Call 911 from a safe place away from the smell, then your gas utility's emergency number if you know it. Don't go back in until responders say it's safe. (PHMSA, PA PUC)

Burst pipe or major leak

Shut off the water at the main shut-off valve (often where the water line enters the house, near the water heater, or by the meter). Find it today, before you need it.
If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, keep clear. Turn off power at the panel only if you can reach it without standing in water. Otherwise call the utility or 911.
Take photos for insurance, then call a licensed plumber and your insurer.

Power is out

Check whether it's just you (breaker panel) or the whole street, and report it to your electric utility.
Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Run generators outdoors only, away from windows, because of carbon monoxide. (Ready.gov)
If someone depends on powered medical equipment and it's an emergency, call 911.

AC is dead in the heat

Check the thermostat batteries, the breaker and the air filter first. Then call a licensed HVAC contractor.
Stay somewhere cool: another room, a friend's house, or a public cooling center. Signs of heat illness, and when it's an emergency: Ready.gov extreme heat. Heat stroke is a 911 emergency.

Roof leak

Put out buckets and towels, and move valuables. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people out from under it.
Don't go on the roof in a storm. Tarp it only when it's safe, or hire someone.
Take photos, call your insurer, and get written estimates from licensed roofers.

Locked out

Try anyone with a spare key, your landlord, or your property manager.
Use a locksmith who gives a firm quote on the phone and shows ID and, where your state requires one, a license.
If a child, a vulnerable person, or a pet is locked inside a home or car and in danger, call 911.

Find good people to fix it (no paid listings, ever)

Check the license. Florida: DBPR license search. Other states: NASCLA's state licensing agency directory.
Ask for proof of insurance and a written estimate. Get more than one.
Check complaints: BBB, plus a search of the business name with "scam" or "complaint".
Avoid storm-chaser scams (FTC, BBB): don't pay everything up front, don't pay by cash, wire, gift card, payment app or crypto, never sign over your insurance check, and never sign a contract with blank spaces. FEMA doesn't charge application fees.
Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Resources

General information, not legal advice. Laws and phone numbers vary by place. Check with your local agency or a lawyer for your situation. Phone numbers and links checked against official sources on 2026-10-26.