Water, pliers, duct tape and a trip to Canadian Tire

Squeezing into a tight spot in a closet, Emily Mathieu tackles the tricky job of replacing the water hoses of her clothes washer. (Bill Taylor photo)

It was my first real emergency and I had to call for help. But in this case going solo wasn't an option.

Here is a copy of the story I wrote for the Star. I can sum it up by saying the hoses connected to my washer sprung a leak and the washer and dryer are a single stacked unit in a closet and I had to ask my friends for help. As expressed in the story, the weight and potential instability of the machines had me imaging a serious injury or crushing death. Not something I was willing to tackle alone.

I sent out a call for assistance on Facebook.

A good friend named Bill Taylor, a former Star staffer, came to the rescue and together we fixed the leaky hose. Or had to buy two new ones and secure them to the back of the machine.

By the time I explained the process for the paper there wasn't room for my favourite part. We had a chance to use duct tape. Even more exciting I pulled it from a kit specifically inspired by this project.

(Yes I need to get out more. Don't worry I know)

A few weeks ago I mentioned I was going to pick up supplies for my 72-hour-emergency kit. The government of Canada suggests stocking up on enough food and water to stay calm and in one place for three days. Readers have pointed out a week is more practical and I tend to agree. It is also a good idea to have everything assembled in case you have to get out the door in a hurry.

So now packed in a black backpack in a discreet corner of my living room is a medical kit (U.S Navy approved for submersion in up to 60 meters of water) candles, matches, water, spicy elk pepperettes (they are addictive and delicious) and a large jar of smooth peanut butter (it was on sale).

I am a sucker for anything that has been given a gold star by the military. But of course can't imagine a scenario where you would or could use a kit that could be taken down 60 metres.

In the backpack there is also a collection of drugstore items I take for granted but would desperately want in a high stress environment, like Advil and antacids, benadryl, extra bandages and antiobiotic ointment. The benadryl is for wasps. I do not have an anaphylactic reaction but one sting can cause my entire body to swell. I have a less strong but still severe reaction to mosquitoes. I am convinced they can sense this and always bite me on the forehead.

The head lamp was included mostly for fun. If the end-of-days skips past us this summer I am hoping to use it for a few rounds of capture the flag.

Adding a big role of black duct tape just seemed like common sense.

Turns out it came in very handy once we shut the water off. 

Whn Bill pulled the washer and dryer out of the closet it resulted in a tear in the foil-like hose that vents the hot air generated by the dryer.

We had to fashion an extension for the hose from tinfoil and duct tape then seal it tight.

Took about five minutes. So simple yet so satisfying. (much like elk pepperettes)

Comments

[Marilyn]

I laughed when I read your post......Since my husband has been working out of town I have also learned to cope with crisis' (sp) and have learned not to panic (at least not right away) and to assess the situation first, then maybe panic!!!! Things usually work out (or they can wait until he gets home) Anyway thanks for the laugh!!!!!

[-fb]

Most of this kind of stuff is very easy to do - once you have seen it done or have done it once before.

Good on you for rolling up your sleeves and figuring it out. There are very few tasks that couldn't be done by just anyone. All you have to do it try. And repair damages from an earlier failed attempt.

[Dan Brown]

Great work fixing it yourself! Not sure if I'd have the capacity to do so. Hilarious that this whole event made you go out an make an emergency kit.

Think it's really necessary to have it stored in your living room though?

[safety kits]

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