Browse the full collection of "what to do if..." guides — immediate steps, the dangers to avoid, and prevention tips.
589 guides
A pool that loses water every day is usually leaking or evaporating too fast. Learn how to tell the difference, find the cause, and fix it safely.
Altitude sickness can range from a mild headache to a life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognise the signs, stop ascending, and know when to descend immediately.
A washing machine that shakes violently during the spin cycle can damage the appliance or your floor. Learn the common causes and safe steps to fix them.
A radiator that is cold at the top and hot at the bottom usually means trapped air or sludge. Learn how to diagnose and fix it safely.
Brake failure at speed is a true emergency. Stay calm, pump the pedal, downshift, and use the handbrake or road friction to slow down safely.
Accidentally deleted a file? Stop using the drive immediately and follow these steps to maximize your chances of recovery.
Spring thaw can push water through foundation walls and cause damp patches in your basement. Learn how to find the source, dry the area safely, and prevent future problems.
Flash floods can strike within minutes. Learn the immediate steps to protect yourself and your family, and what never to do when water rises.
A power surge can damage electronics and start fires. Learn how to stay safe during and after a surge, and how to protect your home.
A court summons is a serious legal document that requires your immediate attention. Learn the steps to respond correctly and protect your rights.
If you paid a scammer for an online purchase, act fast: contact your payment provider, report the scam, and secure your accounts. Here is a step-by-step guide to recovering your money and protecting yourself.
An ice dam traps melting snow and can push water under your shingles and into the house. Act early to remove the hazard safely and stop the leak.
Traveler's diarrhea is common but usually self-limiting. Learn how to stay hydrated, when to use over-the-counter remedies, and when to seek medical care abroad.
Before you sign an employment contract, review these common red flags that could affect your pay, rights, and career. Learn what to check and when to seek legal advice.
If you missed a renewal deadline for a visa, permit, or green card, act quickly. File as soon as possible, gather evidence of your situation, and consider consulting an immigration attorney. Do not assume you can fix it later.
A good reference request is specific, well-timed and easy for the other person to say yes to. Here is how to ask, prepare and follow up without damaging the relationship.
A wobbling or noisy ceiling fan is usually fixable with simple adjustments. Learn safe steps to diagnose and correct the problem before it worsens.
When thunder roars, go indoors. If you are caught on a trail, descend and seek shelter in a building or a vehicle. If none is available, spread out and crouch low.
A suspicious charge on your credit card can be alarming, but acting quickly can limit the damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to dispute it and protect your account.
A swallowed button battery is a medical emergency that can cause severe internal burns within about two hours. Act immediately: do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your child vomit.
Learn the correct steering and braking techniques to recover from a skid on ice, and what to do if you cannot regain control.
A new water stain on your ceiling can signal a leak, condensation, or a roof problem. Act quickly to limit damage and prevent mold.
Hailstorms can damage roofs, windows, vehicles, and siding. Learn how to stay safe, document damage, and start the recovery process.
When your electric kettle stops working, follow these safe troubleshooting steps. Learn how to check power, inspect for damage, and decide when to replace it.
Cookies & advertising
We use cookies to measure traffic and show personalized ads through Google AdSense. You can accept or decline. Learn more
Install What to do if...
Access guides even offline, just like an app.
Your local emergency numbers
We couldn't detect your country. Pick it to see verified numbers.
Find my numbers