In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.

Below are some general guidelines for shutting off utility service. You should modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company.

Natural Gas

Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas.

Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.

When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, be sure you have a gas and water shut-off tool and share the information with everyone in your household. Do not actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

Caution – If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. never attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.

Water

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve. Be sure you have a gas and water shut-off tool.

• Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking.

• The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb—this valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool).

Preparing to Shut Off Water

• Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house.

• Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.

• Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.

Electricity

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

Preparing to Shut Off Electricity

• Locate your electricity circuit box.

• Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

What to Do in a Power Outage:-

Electrical outages can be a problem, and it’s a good idea to be prepared when you literally find yourself in the dark. Below are five ways to prepare your home and family for an unexpected power outage.

Light the way. Even in the dark, it’s possible to have some light if you have the proper equipment. During a power outage, you will need to have working flashlights and touch-lights, along with plenty of batteries. Now is a good time to stock up on these essentials because they will come in handy when you need them the most. If at all possible, avoid the use of candles as these may be a fire hazard.

Conquering communication woes. If you have a cell phone, keep it fully charged at all times. During an electrical outage, your cordless phones will not function due to the fact that they are electrical. If you don’t have a cell phone or you live in a rural area with no service, make sure that you have a rotary or push-button phone in your home that will allow you to make and receive phone calls. During an electrical outage, you will first need to call the power company to notify them of the problem.

Stay cool. If you tend to keep the freezer full, make sure that you pack it with plenty of ice. This will keep your frozen food cold during a power outage, which will save you a bundle by not having to replace all of your groceries. You can also keep your refrigerator and freezer cool by avoiding opening and closing the appliance door during a power outage. Each time you open the refrigerator or freezer door, you are letting cold air out and that could be bad news for your cold food.

Eat the food in the chilled section of your refrigerator first. Then, eat the food in the freezer and use items stored at room temperature, such as staples and canned goods, last of all. Using food in this order will give you the longest life for the items stored in the refrigerator.

Shop smart. During a power outage, you will not be able to cook if your appliances are electric. Therefore, buying canned foods that have distant expiration dates are a good idea. Anything that does not require refrigeration or preparation will help to keep you and your family fed until the power is restored.

Keep a checklist. When the electricity goes out, you will have a million things on your mind. From the temperature inside your home to making sure there is ample lighting, you will be thinking about everything that needs to be done. For this reason, it may be a good idea to prepare a checklist and keep it posted on the refrigerator. One important tip to remember is to turn off all lights and appliances with the exception of one light, which will serve as your notice when power is restored.