Survival guides · Disasters

Shut Off Home Utilities

WHEN TO USE THISGas, water and power — find all three now, before you need them.

1. Gas — only if you smell it

   • Shut it off only if you smell gas, hear hissing, or see damage.
   • The valve is on the pipe going into the meter.
   • Wrench: a quarter turn, so the handle sits crosswise to the pipe.
   • Keep a wrench at the meter, always.
   • Never turn it back on yourself. The gas company has to.
   Why

   Once the gas is off, the company has to check for leaks and relight every pilot — after a big quake that can take days or weeks. That's why you shut it off only when there's a reason.

2. Water

   • Main valve: where the pipe enters the house — basement, garage, utility room — or at the meter box by the street.
   • Turn it clockwise to close.
   • Street valve may need a meter key.
   • Then open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the pipes.

3. Power

   • The panel: garage, basement or utility room.
   • The main breaker is the big one at the top. Flip it off.
   • Stand somewhere dry. One hand.
   • Water near the panel? Stay away.
   • Never touch a downed line, or anything touching it.

4. Practice today

   • Walk the house. Find all three.
   • Tools where you'll need them — wrench at the gas, key for the water.
   • Label each one.
   • Show every adult in the house.
   Why

   In an emergency it may be dark, and there may be no time to look.

Sources: FEMA / Ready.gov · American Red Cross Home Safety Checklist

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.