Think you know your house well? If you feel the need to use the word “thingy” to explain things in an emergency, you should read up about the 7 critical hot spots that will keep your house the right way up.
1) Electrical panels: These inconspicuous panels are doors to the nervous system of your household. So to watch your soap operas uninterrupted, run your clothes hanger…I mean…treadmill or prevent yourself from being a weather model during extreme conditions – it would be in your best interest to know where these panels are. You might need to replace fuses and circuit breakers (Safely please! http://www.builderstools.com/blog/reset-replace-fuses-circuit-breakers-safely-minutes/#.VwtJwPl97Dc) or even shut off the power in certain scenarios. Like that one time your friend thought he could get a crazy hairstyle if he stuck his finger into an active plug point.
2) Generator/inverter locations and switches: So now the power is out. You checked the electrical panels because you are a smart individual and are probably midway through this article. You realize that everything is in place. Clearly, there is an invasion of aliens that uses the electricity from your house to power their race and plan to eradicate human kind as we know it…or the current in your sector just went out. The latter being more likely, a good way to be prepared (and to protect your electronics) is to invest in and learn how to operate a generator or inverter. Most can be set to start automatically but don’t throw that user manual away just yet. Understand how to run and start it and you will always be powered up. Careful with fictional aliens though.
3) Main water valves: Yes. You could call a plumber in the event of a pipe burst or severe water leakages. But while they are on their way, it would definitely be in your best interest to shut off the offending water connections to prevent getting that indoor pool that seemed like a good idea at one point. These valves are usually out of the way, in basements, bathrooms or storage areas. Find them, mark them and throw away your lifeguard costume.
4) Shut gas cylinders: Things can and will go boom with negligence. Sometimes showing off your flaming wok technique could lead to disaster. Find the valves if you have gas piped in to your house or make sure your gas cylinders are set to off when not in use. Signs to look out for are strange odors, hazy vision, headaches, queasiness etc. Not to be confused with an excessive party night. Also, things spontaneously combusting is a giveaway.