Utilities shut off

Make sure you and your household know where your electricity breakers, gas, and water valves are located and how to operate them.

Gas

Shut off the gas only if:

• you smell gas odor or hear a blowing sound from any pipes or appliances, or

• you notice a broken or disconnected pipe, or

• the meter spinning quickly can also be a leak indicator, or

• your house has slid off its foundation (after a natural disaster).

If you notice or suspect a gas leak:

1. open a window,

2. evacuate everyone immediately (upwind location),

3. do not use matches, lighter, any open flame appliances or tool, electrical switches (they can cause sparks),

4. turn off the gas using a wrench to turn the valve one-quarter so that it is perpendicular to the pipe,

5. when you are in a safe location, call your gas company,

6. don't turn back on the gas yourself, call a qualified professional to do it.

Place a wrench next to the gas valve to be able to turn it. If it is frozen, call your gas provider to have it fixed or replaced.

Electricity

Shut off electricity in case of:

• an electrical fire (appliance, wires, motors), or

• flooding, or

• broken or frayed electrical cords.

When shutting off the power:

1. first shut off individual breakers/fuses,

2. then shut off the main breaker/fuse.

When turning back on the power:

1. first turn on the main switch/breaker,

2. then turn on the individual breakers/fuses.

DO NOT enter a flooded area to shut off the electricity.

Water

In case of a major disaster (earthquake, tsunami, mud slide) the water supply network might be damaged and the water polluted.

Shut off the water if:

• you notice a leak, or

• you experience low water pressure.

Label the water valve with a tag. If this valve can’t be completely shut off (because of rust for example), replace it.

No matter what the situation is, do not take any unreasonable risks when shutting off your utilities.