What to do if an urgent problem (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) can't be resolved immediately?

[Brian W.]

What do I do if an urgent problem (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) comes up on, say, Christmas Day and the plumber or HVAC guy or whoever can't get to it that day?

[Rob K.]

I make sure that right after a tenant signs a lease, we take a walk to the water meter and I demonstrate how to turn the water off in an emergency. That way they know how to shut down water to the entire house if they need to.

As far as heating, I had a call on Christmas once. My response was to put on a sweater or coat and I will call someone tomorrow.