Immediate action guide
Appliance Repair Tech Emergency Action Steps
What to do right now before a appliance repair tech arrives, with clear lines for 911, utility, and contractor calls.
First rule
If there is fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, injury, trapped people, or any uncertainty about safety, leave the area and call 911. Use these steps only when you can act from a safe position.
E1
Washer Overflow
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the washer, laundry floor, drain, and nearby outlets.
- Stop the cycle and close the hot and cold washer valves if you can reach them safely.
- Move laundry and cords away, then block water from spreading to halls or lower levels.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an appliance repair tech and report whether water came from the hose, tub, or drain.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E2
Dryer Burning Smell
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the dryer, lint area, vent path, and nearby wall.
- Stop the dryer and unplug it or turn off its breaker if it is safe.
- Keep the door closed if smoke is present and move combustibles away.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an appliance repair tech or dryer-vent pro after any smoke or heat concern is cleared.
Do not do this
- - Do not restart the dryer after a burning smell, even for a short test.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E3
Refrigerator Leaking
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the refrigerator, water line, floor, and outlet behind it.
- If equipped and reachable, shut off the refrigerator water line without pulling hard on the appliance.
- Place towels at the front edge and avoid standing water near the outlet.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an appliance repair tech and note whether the ice maker, filter, or drain area is involved.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E4
Oven Will Not Shut Off
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the oven, cooktop, controls, and surrounding cabinets.
- Turn the appliance off at the control; if it stays hot and safe to do, turn off breaker or gas supply.
- Keep the oven door closed, clear nearby combustibles, and ventilate only if no gas odor exists.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call appliance repair after any fire, smoke, or gas concern is handled by emergency responders or the utility.
Do not do this
- - Do not force controls, remove panels, or leave a heating oven unattended.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E5
Dishwasher Leak
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the dishwasher door, toe-kick, sink cabinet, and kitchen floor.
- Cancel the cycle and close the dishwasher supply valve under the sink if safe.
- Keep water away from island outlets and protect floors with towels from dry footing.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call appliance repair and describe whether the leak is from the door, hose, pump, or drain.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.