Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Grassroots Newswire) - You never know when it might happen and you probably will need to think fast. Leaks plus catastrophic events equals a not-so-fun situation, said Stan Berenbaum, president of American Leak Detection, who is offering helpful post-hurricane and tropical storm tips. As tropical storm Fay hits and passes, the following advice about leaks could be helpful for local residents.

1. Perimeter Check - Check the home by walking around outside before entering. Proceed with caution. Check for loose power lines or gas leaks from the outside first and report them. If there are cracks around the foundation, call a home construction professional to inspect the home. Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
2. Entering the Home - Check for sagging ceilings, weak floors and other structural damage.
3. Check for Gas Leaks - If you smell gas, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
4. Check for Sewage and Waterline Damage - If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a professional. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.
5. Turn off the Water System - Do so at the main valve to help prevent additional water damage. Have a trained leak specialist check for water, sewer or gas leaks.

Besides this helpful advice, Berenbaum said that area residents can visit the company’s Web site to use its online water meter test as a preventative measure. By following the list of easy steps, which takes only 30 minutes, people can detect whether they might have a leak in their pressurized water system. The test can be found by visiting http://www.americanleakdetection.com/.

“If leaks are left untreated, it could lead to hazardous health to loved ones and hazardous damage to your property,” Berenbaum said. “Therefore, it is critical that homeowners check their homes for leaks after any type of natural disaster.”

According to Berenbaum, American Leak Detection uses the most advanced, sophisticated electronic leak detection devices without bashing holes in the walls or digging up the deck and yard. The company performs non-invasive leak detection with proprietary methods and state-of-the-art technology. Its highly-trained specialists have extensive training, methodology and unparalleled continuing education.

For information about American Leak Detection services, or for more advice and tips during catastrophic events, contact one of their local Florida offices.

About American Leak Detection

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, ALD is dedicated to resource protection and eco-friendly services. ALD is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks including hidden water and sewer leaks. From swimming pool cracks to concealed plumbing systems, the smallest leak is located with the most advanced, sophisticated electronic devices - without bashing holes in walls or digging up the deck and yard. For the last seven years, American Leak Detection has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. In February 2008, The Wall Street Journal ranked American Leak Detection as one of the top 25 High Franchise Performers. For more information on American Leak Detection, call 800.755.6697 or visit http://www.americanleakdetection.com/.