Emergency Tips
Read these 3 Emergency Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about House tips and hundreds of other topics.
Quick Fix for leaks
The number one choice to patch a roof leak is Black Roofing Mastic. This can be used on wet surfaces and it will still seal. With mastic all you have to do is spread a thick layer over the leak area with a hard, flat object. It is best to use a trowel, piece of wood, or even a kitchen spatula. In extreme emergencies, you can use your hand with a plastic glove or even a plastic bag over it. For a stronger patch, place a piece of cloth or a T-shirt onto the mastic and press down firmly. Then lay another layer of mastic on top of the material.
If you don't have mastic, you can use thick plastic or even a plastic trash bag over the leaking area. Secure it to the roof with strips of wood. If you have any kind of mastic or caulking, place a line of it under the plastic where you will nail the wood to the roof.
Inside Supplies
These are the supplies that every homeowner should keep in their house in case of emergencies.
Flashlight
Extra Batteries (for flashlight and radio)
Transister Radio
Small Toolbox with the following in it:
Screw drivers (slotted and Phillips)
Pliers
Razor Knife
Small saw (hacksaw with multiple blades for metal, plastic, and wood)
Hammer
Misc. nails and screws
Silver Duct Tape
Electrical Tape
Small Staple Gun
Angled cutter
There are lots of supplies that you can stock in your house, but the ones mentioned above should get you through most emergencies.
Outside Supplies
These are some supplies that a homeowner should have in case of emergencies.
Plywood (at least 1 4X8 sheet)
A roll of Landscape Plastic
Nails and Screws (misc. sizes)
Hammer
Saw
Crowbar
Caulking gun
Silicone
Silver Duct Tape
A few flat garden stakes
Extra Roofing material
Mastic
Staple Gun
Hose Clamps (misc. sizes)
There are a lot more supplies that you can keep around for emergencies, but these should get you through in a pinch.
