Learn how to shut off your utilities in an emergency situation.
If a natural disaster is looming, then it’s important that you have an emergency plan in place. According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), one of the first things that you need to do to secure your home and family is shut off your utilities. Here are some tips on shutting off your home’s utilities.
Natural Gas
A natural gas leak in your home can be incredibly dangerous for your family. That’s why it’s so important that everyone knows how to shut off the gas lines if faced with an emergency. Because every home has a different gas meter configuration, you’ll have to contact your local gas company to learn the proper shut off procedure. Once you know the steps, post a list of instructions near your gas pump. This will ensure that everyone in the household can shut down your gas if necessary. Please keep in mind that you can turn off your gas, but turning it back on should be left to a certified professional.
Water
Following a natural disaster, you should be sure to shut off your water. This is because damaged pipes could result in polluted water and you do not want this dirty water to enter your home. To shut off your water you’ll need to locate the main shut-off valve. If you cannot locate your valve, then contact a local plumber for assistance. Once you identify the shut off valve, you might want to mark it with bright paint so your whole family knows where to find it as well.
Electricity
Because a rogue electrical spark could start a serious fire, switching off your electricity is one of the first things you should do in an emergency situation. To shut off your electricity, you will need to locate your home’s electrical circuit box. Once you find it, all you need to do is flip the main circuit breaker located near the top of the electrical panel. If you need assistance locating your circuit box, contact a licensed electrician for assistance.
Knowing how to shut off your utilities should be a vital step in your emergency action plan. Understanding this process is important for keeping your home and your family safe. Want another way to protect your home and loved ones? Make sure you have the insurance coverage to fit your needs. To find the right policies for you, contact VGW Walker Insurance in Texas. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.
