Bats? Kitchen Fires? Poisoned Pet? You'll Survive

Stuff happens. Annoying, bad, scary, costly stuff happens right in your own home. But if you’re armed with knowledge, if you’re prepared, you can get through that stuff. Our friends at Angie’s List put together a handy Home Survival Guide with links to advice on just about any home disaster scenario a Patch reader can conjure up.

Kitchen on fire? Got it. Bats in the living room? Got that, too. Walk into a door and knock your front tooth out? Yes, we can help.

MY KITCHEN’S ON FIRE

• Institute of Culinary Education Chef-Instructor Sabrina Sexton says put out the flames with a handful of salt, which cuts off the oxygen supply and smothers the fire. » learn more

MY BASEMENT FLOODED

• Remove items such as bedding, towels and upholstery damaged by the basement flood. If they don’t dry within 48 hours, throw them away because they’ll mold. Next, take a look at the basement structure. » learn more

THERE’S A BAT IN THE HOUSE!

• Isolate the bat to one room, turn out the lights and open your doors and windows to give it a way out. Scratching an empty container can help the bat use its sonar to find the door. » learn more

I LOCKED MYSELF OUT OF MY HOUSE

• Credit card in the door jamb isn’t working? Give a house key to someone you trust who lives nearby. Hide a key in your wallet or purse. Consider a keyless lock, which allows you to enter with a code. Cleverly hide a key on your property. (Be careful: Burglars are clever, too.) » learn more

I DROPPED MY PHONE IN THE WATER

• The ultimate “Oh crap!” moment: You’re getting ready to use the toilet and hear a splash as your expensive cell phone drops from your pocket. Did you know 3 out of 4 Americans admit to using their cell phones in the bathroom? Here’s how to improve your chances of recovery. » learn more

I’VE BEEN IN A CAR WRECK

• Stay calm. The steps you take immediately following an accident could also determine if and how much your or the other driver’s insurance company pays, should you need to file a claim. » learn more

MY TOOTH’S BEEN KNOCKED OUT!

• There’s a chance a good dentist can save your tooth. Hold the tooth by the chewing edge. Can you fit the tooth back into the socket? You’ve improved your chances. But there’s more to know. » learn more

MY PET’S BEEN POISONED

• Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate can make your dog sick. Really sick. The earlier you detect possible toxin consumption, the better your pet’s chances of survival. » learn more

» You’ll find more tips from Angie’s List in Help! A Survival Guide to Life’s Emergencies

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