⚠️ Wellington Home Watch – Emergency Response Policy

Applies to: All suspected gas, chemical, sewer, fuel odours, fumes, vapours, and suspected mould or mildew conditions observed during a Home Watch visit.

🚨 FIRST PRINCIPLES – NON-NEGOTIABLE

Wellington Home Watch does NOT investigate, test, confirm, or diagnose gas, air quality, or mould.
All actions are based on suspected presence only.
Any unusual odour or condition is treated as a potential life-safety hazard.
Life safety always overrides completion of an inspection.

A) Gas / Chemical Odour Emergency Response

1️⃣ STOP IMMEDIATELY

Stop the inspection immediately.
Do NOT attempt to locate the source.
Do NOT turn appliances, valves, or equipment on or off.

2️⃣ DO NOT CREATE IGNITION SOURCES

No light switches
No phone use inside
No garage door openers
No vehicles or engines nearby
No flashlights or devices while inside

Phone use is permitted only once safely outside.

3️⃣ EXIT THE PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY

Exit using the safest route.
Leave doors open if safe.
Do not lock up if it delays exit.
Move to a safe distance.

4️⃣ CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES

From a safe location, call 911 (Canada) and report:
“Possible gas or chemical odour detected in a vacant residence.”

B) Suspected Mould / Mildew Response

Do NOT disturb suspected mould.
No wiping, scraping, lifting, or air movement.
No testing or diagnosis.
Limit exposure and exit area if extensive.

Documentation Standard

Time and location observed
What was detected (odour, visible staining)
Actions taken
Time emergency services were contacted (if applicable)
No conclusions or causes stated