Household Emergencies
Overview
Emergencies can strike, despite the best precautions. You can prevent an emergency from becoming a catastrophe by learning what to do. This section discusses how to react during a fire, plumbing emergency, electrical emergency and gas leak.
Read this section and discuss it with all members of your household so that everyone is prepared for an emergency. Make copies of these pages for your baby-sitters so they will be prepared if an emergency strikes while you are away. Then, review this section with your household once a year so you are continually prepared for an emergency.
The first step during an electrical problem, water leak or gas leak is to shut off the flow of electricity, water or gas to your home. Every member of your household should know how to find these shutoff valves and switches.
You should keep basic emergency supplies such as a portable radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and a first-aid manual on hand at all times. These supplies will be welcomed if a natural disaster occurs. In addition, the first-aid kit and first-aid manual are good to have on hand for household use.
Emergency Shutoff Valve & Switch Locations
Main water shutoff valves are frequently located near water meters. Your water meter is likely outside near the street. Main water shutoff valves can also be located inside your home beneath a floor access panel or in a basement. Floor access panels are commonly found in closet floors. Look for a large valve in the middle of a pipe.
The main electrical disconnect should be located in or near the circuit panel box. The circuit panel box should be located in the garage, utility room, utility closet or similar out of the way location.
If you have natural gas service, the gas shutoff valve will likely be located on the gas inlet pipe next to the gas meter.
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