Utilities
Advance Preparation
- Locate the main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service shut-off, and natural gas main shut-off. Contact local utility companies for instructions on how to turn the utilities off. Teach family members when and how to turn off utilities off. Clear area around shut-off switches for easy accessKeep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Tip: Attach shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or other location close by the gas and water shut-off valves.
- Paint shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase visibility
During An Emergency
- Use a flashlight or battery-operated lantern to find your way around and orient yourself. Do not use candles for emergency lighting. Candles and kerosene lanterns are fire hazards.
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
- Shut off any utilities that appear to be malfunctioning
- Stay away from downed power lines.
Post-Emergency
Once an emergency situation has stabilized and it is safe to do so, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches.
Check again for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, 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.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician for advice.
Check for sewage and water line damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
- Turn off all major appliances. They could overload electric lines when power is restored, causing a second outage.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food can be kept cold for a day or two if the doors are kept closed.
- Use portable generators cautiously. Make sure they are operated only out-of-doors in a well-ventilated area.
- Refuel a generator only after it has cooled. Do not connect a generator to your home's electrical system except though an approved transfer switch installed in compliance with local electrical code.
- In cold weather, drain pumps, supply lines, water heaters, and boilers can freeze when the power is lost. Traps in drains of tubs, sinks, commodes, washing machines, and dishwashers can also freeze.
- To avoid burst pipes, close the main water valve and open the spigots and supply lines and drain them.
Courtesy of www.fema.gov
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Page last updated:
June 7, 2006