Utilities Safety
Your electricity should be turned off at the main switch which is usually found on the outside of your house in the main power box.
Main power box that allows you to cut the power to your home
It is just a matter of flipping a switch or two. (Depending on individual boxes). Find yours and become familiar with it. You also have a power box inside your home, which allows you to turn electricity off in certain parts of your home.
The breaker box inside your home.
You will want to turn off your electricity if you find frayed or damaged wires after a disaster or if there is risk of anyone being electrocuted.
Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.
Your main gas valve is usually located on the outside of your house, next to the gas meter. It may take a special key to turn it off. The gas company will have to send its own employee to come out and turn it back on. Check with your local gas company. You will need to turn off your gas immediately if you find or smell a gas leak after a disaster. Your main water valve is located inside your home where the main water line comes into your home, usually found in the basement or crawl space. Become familiar with its location and operation. To close the main water line turn the key clockwise. You can check any cold water tap in your home to insure the main water line is closed. You will want to turn your water off if you find damaged pipes when inspecting your home after a disaster or if you need to use water out of your hot water heater for drinking or cooking.
- Know where and how to shut off all utilities in your home.
- You may need a special wrench to turn off your water or fuel.
- The power company will need to turn fuel back on for you.
- Teach other family members how to turn utilities off also.
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