How to Shut Off Your Utilities

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Secure Your Water Heater Water Heater Side View - Securing your water heater will help during an earthquake Water Heater - Top View Water Shut-off Valve Labeling your water shut off can help during an emergency. Water tips From broken and frozen pipes to leaking appliances, water damage can wreak havoc, destroying floors, walls, furniture and family heirlooms. The devastation isn’t limited to the laundry and the bathroom. Leaking roofs and backed-up sewers or drains can ruin bedrooms, family rooms and storage areas. Here are a few tips for preventing water damage to your property: Check and replace washing machine hoses regularly. Inspect the area under sinks, around fixtures and near appliances for signs of water leaks. Wet spots may indicate the water supply line is leaking. Check ceilings and walls for evidence of roof leaks. Make sure hose connections are secure on water supply lines to washing machines, icemakers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and other appliances that use water. Re-caulk and grout around sinks, showers and tubs. Inspect the roof regularly and remove debris. Gas Meter and Shut-off Valve Have a wrench stored in a specific location where it will be immediately available GAS LEAKS Emergency Control of Gas If you detect the smell of natural gas, leave your house immediately. Do not use any electrical device. Check house piping, appliances and vents for damage. Check for fires or fire hazards Do not use matches, lighters or other open flames Do not operate electrical switches, appliances or batter operated devices if you suspect natural gas leaks. This could create sparks that could ignite gas from broken lines. If gas line breakage is suspected, evacuate immediately and shut off the gas at the meter. Wear heavy shoes in all areas near broken glass or debris. Keep your head and face protected from falling debris. Turn on a battery operated radio if no gas leaks are found or a car radio to receive disaster instructions Do not use your telephone except in extreme emergency situations Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house If there is an Explosion Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table Exit the building ASAP Do not use elevators Check for fire and other hazards Take your emergency supply kit if time allows Help others and provide first aid as necessary If You are Trapped in Debris If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers Avoid unnecessary movement so that you do not kick up dust Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand (Dense weave cotton material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material) Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Electrical Shut-off Label your electrical breakers so you know which curcuits will be turned off, or just turn off the main breaker and all electricity will be turned off to the house. This can help during an emergency. POWER OUTAGE Home Electrical Circuits Familiarize yourself with the location of the electrical breaker panel Turn off breakers for areas of concern If in doubt, shut off main breaker. Check your house electrical meter. If it is on your home, there may be a main disconnect breaker next to it. If the meter is on an underground service, it may be in front of your home; but there should be a main breaker where the line enters the home Be sure and show others in the family where the breakers are located in case of emergency In case of basement flooding: Think before stepping in any water A shock hazard may exist even in an inch of water If the electrical panel is upstairs, shut off all circuits If the electrical panel is in the basement, determine whether it can be reached on DRY ground. If not, shut off the main breaker. Before a Power Outage Learn location of fuse box or circuit breaker Store candles, flashlights and extra batteries in convenient places Have food and water supplies on hand Know the locations of all camping equipment: stove, lantern, sleeping bags. Make sure equipment is operational and that you know how to use it. Use camping equipment requiring gasoline, propane, white fuel. Coleman fuel or charcoal briquettes outside only. Keep refrigerator well defrosted Purchase and install approved surge protectors for appliances and electronics During the Power Outage Unplug all your electronic equipment if you do not have surge protectors. A power surge could ruin appliances when power is restored. Turn off all but one light switch Open refrigerator door only to take food out, close as quickly as possible. Use camping equipment outside, six feet away from everything. Use only a fireplace, properly installed wood stove or a new style kerosene heater in a safe area with fresh outside air coming into area (good ventilation) Report any downed lines. Do not allow children to carry lanterns, candles or fuel. After the Power Outage When power is restored, plug in appliances one by one, waiting a few minutes between each one. This will prevent overloading the system. Be patient. Energy may first be restored to police and fire departments and hospitals. Examine your frozen food. If it still contains ice crystal, it may be refrozen. If meat is off-color or has an odd odor, throw it away.