Natural gas leaks can occur, even without the help of a natural or man-made disaster. When they occur inside a home or other building, they can cause deadly fires and explosions. If you suspect a gas leak, here’s what to do:
If you smell or hear gas escaping, suspect a leak or discover a broken gas line, shut off the main valve and quickly open all doors and windows.
The main shutoff valve is located on the gas line leading into your gas meter, normally located on the side yard or backyard of your home, or possibly in an outside closet. This valve, about 6 to 8 inches above the ground, runs parallel with the meter pipe.
With a sturdy wrench, give the valve a 1/4 turn in either direction until the valve is crosswise to the pipe.
Do not attempt to turn the gas back on. Instead, call your utility company.
Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak, and do not turn on electrical switches or appliances as this can cause an explosion or fire.
Thomas Edison’s invention has changed the world, but we often take electricity for granted. One thing we shouldn’t do is underestimate its potential for danger in certain situations. Electrocution and fire are very real hazards that can occur when your electrical wires or outlets malfunction or they’re damaged or misused in some way. Sometimes it’s necessary to shut off your electricity. This is true in the following circumstances:
When to Shut Off Electric Power
You smell burning insulation.
There is a fire or major water leak.
You suspect a gas leak.
Arcing or burning occur in electrical items.
Switches or plugs become blackened or hot.
Power loss, accompanied by burning smell.
Turning It Off
Electrical safety should be as elementary as the alphabet. Even your children should know the potential dangers, and adults should know where your home’s electrical panels are located. When you do suspect an electrical problem, here’s what to do.
Locate the main electric box, normally located in the garage or on the exterior of your home.
If your home has circuit breakers, open the metal door of the breaker box and turn the electrical switch to “Off.
If your house has fuses, there should be a pullout fuse marked “Main.” Remove all the small fuses, then remove the “Main” fuse.
Water… we love to drink it, swim in it, refresh our lawns and clean our cars with it. But the minute it starts leaking, it’s an entirely different story. Water leaks can cause extensive property damage and create electrical hazards as well. And when a major disaster strikes, leaks can turn into something much bigger, much costlier. After events such as major earthquakes, it’s smart to temporarily shut off your water supply to protect it from contaminants and from bursting through cracked pipes. Whenever you have to turn off your water, follow these simple steps:
ind your water shutoff valve, usually located in your garage or outside, next to the side or rear of your house where the water line enters the home.
The water shutoff is usually a wheel located on a riser pipe. Turn this wheel clockwise to shut it off.
If you live in an apartment and don’t have access to or know where the main shutoff valve is located, you can turn off the water to specific appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and even sink faucets. These are usually located on attached lines to the appliances and can be turned off with a clockwise twist of the valve or wheel.
Tools of the Trade
Whenever you need to turn off a utility, it often requires more than just your hands and a bit of patience. Here are some items you might want to store nearby.
