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When
disaster strikes, it often affects one or more of the utility
systems in our homes It is important to know where the main
controls are located and when and how to turn them off. Learn
these things before disaster strikes!
ELECTRICITY
A disaster can disrupt your electrical
service or cause wires and electrical fixtures to separate, creating
a shock and fire hazard.
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Locate
your main electrical panel or fuse box. Usually it's
on an interior wall near your electric meter.
-
If your
residence has a fuse box, maintain a supply of spare
fuses of the correct amperage.
-
Always
keep a working flashlight available, with extra batteries
of the correct size and type
When
you lose power
Check the fuses and/or circuit breakers to be sure the trouble is not
in your household electric system.
-
Turn
off all electrical equipment [e.g. water heater,
electric furnace, heaters, stove, washer, dryer, TV]
to prevent
system overload when the power is restored.
-
Turn
on a porch light and one inside light so you and utility
crews will know when service is restored.
-
If
you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or
circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
-
If
a generator is used as backup power supply, remember
to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Connect lights
and appliances directly to the generator and not the
electrical
system.
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If
you see sparks or broken/frayed wires or if you smell
hot insulation, shut off your electricity immediately
-
For
a circuit breaker panel -Shut off the electricity by
turning all circuit breaker switches to the "off" position.
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For
a fuse box, pullout the two main [cartridge] fuses.
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NATURAL
GAS
Any odor of natural gas inside your home might indicate a leak If you smell
natural gas or hear blowing or a hissing noise, open a window and quickly
leave the building. Turn off your gas at the meter as soon as possible! 
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Locate
the shutoff valve.
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Use
a crescent wrench and turn the rectangular knob one quarter
turn clockwise to the horizontal position.
-
Call
your gas company from a neighbor's home.
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If
you turn off the gas for any reason, service should be
restored by a professional.
If you suspect a gas leak
-
DON'T use your telephone. This includes cellular phones and
all types of portable communication and electronic devices
that have a battery. These can spark and create a source
of ignition.
-
DON'T use matches, lighters, or open flame appliance and don't
operate electrical switches.
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WATER
Earthquakes and freezing weather can rupture water pipes, causing
flooding if not turned off quickly. Find the location of
your home's shut off valve.
-
There
is a shut off valve at the water meter, but there may
also be one closer to your house.
-
Some
common places to look for your master shut off valve
are:
-
In
the crawl space or basement where the water line
enters the house.
-
In
the garage where the water line enters the wall
or ceiling, near the water heater, or by the clothes
washer hookup.
-
Outside,
near the foundations of your home, possibly protected
by a concrete or clay pipe ring.
If you don't
find a hand-operated master shut off valve, have one installed
on the house side of the meter. It may come in handy. 
Your sewer
system could also be damaged in a disaster such as an earthquake,
landslide, or flood. Make sure the system is functioning
as designed before using it. This may prevent the contamination
of your home and possibly your drinking water supply.
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 Wayne County
Emergency Management Division
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