Learn how you can shut off your utilities after an emergency situation.
A natural disaster can strike with very little warning. This is why it’s important to have an emergency action plan in place to protect your home and secure your loved ones. According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), one of the first things you should do following a natural disaster is shut off your home’s water, electricity, and natural gas. Use this guide to learn how to shut off your home’s utilities in an emergency.
1) Water
Because a natural disaster can lead to cracked pipes and a contaminated water supply, it’s important to shut off your home’s water to prevent your loved ones from consuming this unsafe water. To shut off your water, you’ll need to locate your home’s main water shut-off valve. This valve should be easily identifiable and located on your main water access line. Once you find this valve, all you need to do is twist the handle or knob clockwise until you feel the valve close completely. Once your water is off, do not turn it back on until your water supply has declared safe for consumption.
2) Electricity
During a natural disaster, your electrical sockets and other electrical appliances can sustain damage. As a result, they could release rouge sparks, increasing your home’s risk for a serious fire. To prevent this from happening, it’s extremely important to shut off your home’s electricity. To do so, you’ll need to find your home’s electrical circuit box. Once you find it, switch off all the circuits before shutting off the main breaker (located at the top of the electrical panel). You should keep your electricity off until you are certain that there aren’t any gas leaks in your home.
3) Natural Gas
A gas leak in your home increases your risk for fire and can negatively affect your family’s health. That’s why you need to shut off your home’s gas until you are sure that there aren’t any leaks in your home. Because every home has its own unique gas meter configuration, you’ll need to contact your local utility company to learn the proper shut-off process. Once you know the directions, post them near your gas meter so anyone can shut off your gas in an emergency. Be aware that while you can turn your gas off, you’ll need the assistance of a trained professional to turn it back on again.
Follow this guide to safely turn off your home’s utilities during an emergency situation. Want another way to protect your home and loved ones during a natural disaster? Make sure you have the proper insurance protections in place. To find the coverage you need, turn to the experts at Gant Insurance Agency in McKinney, Texas. Contact us for assistance with all your insurance needs.
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