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Electrical
“If you see sparking wires or if a circuit blows, it may be indication of compromised wiring,” says Rocky Lopes, manager of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the National Association of Counties. Earthquakes can undermine a home’s electrical system integrity, and flooding or water in the electrical wiring can also pose a hazard to a home’s occupants.
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Burst pipes, leaks, preparation for natural disasters and other situations can require the water to be shut off.
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Shutting off the home’s electrical system is fairly straightforward. At the main circuit panel (for modern homes) or fuse box (for older homes), a main shutoff switch can cut power to the whole home. This switch should be clearly marked—in fact, all individual circuits should be clearly marked, as well. If a home’s circuits are not marked, the homeowner should take the time to do so.
In the event of an emergency that requires power to be shut off, homeowners should shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main switch. Even if power to the home is knocked out, homeowners should turn off the main switch, according to Lopes. “That way you can control when power to the home is restored, and you won’t create a surge when everything turns on.”
Gas and Fuel Oil
The ability to turn off the home’s gas supply is one of the most important to a homeowner as gas hazards pose one of the biggest dangers to the home. Home’s fed by natural gas should have an aboveground meter located outside the home. The shutoff valve will be located on the pipes that connect to the meter. Shutting off this valve requires a wrench. Special gas valve shutoff wrenches available for purchase have openings on either end that fit the standard gas valve. Turning the valve 90 degrees will shut off gas service to the home.
In earthquake-prone states like California, seismically triggered automatic shutoff valves can be purchased by the homeowner and installed by a professional. These devices will automatically disconnect the gas supply to the home in the event of seismic activity. “Installation can be done by a plumber or a specialty contractor,” says Martin Simenc, president of Home Safety Services, a professional home safety consulting service specializing in making homes safer. For homeowners who do not have an automatic shutoff valve, Simenc recommends storing the shutoff wrench adjacent to the meter. Attaching the wrench to the meter by a rope is an easy way to ensure that the tool will always be on-hand in the event of an emergency.
Under no circumstance should a homeowner attempt to restore gas service to the home. A professional must perform this service.
Homeowners who heat with fuel oil or propane should become familiar with the shutoff process for these services. Most systems will have a shutoff switch of some sort, but systems will vary. “For LP or oil, the shutoff is usually at the bottom of the tank or somewhere between the tank and the water heater,” says York. A call to the supplier is the best way to clear up any confusion.
The Family Plan
Once a homeowner determines the shutoff procedures for each utility, it is a good idea to put these procedures down on paper and to familiarize each family member (provided they are old enough) with the procedures. A map or layout of the home indicating the location of each shutoff valve or handle is another smart step to take. “Everyone should be involved in the family plan,” says Lopes. “If parents are away, you want other family members to know what to do.” Lopes recommends gathering the family and playing a “what if” game, as in ‘what if an earthquake happened? What would you do?’ “It’s not meant to be a scary process,” says Lopes. “It’s better to talk about it ahead of time.”
With a layout and shutoff instructions in hand, the homeowner should make copies and keep them in relevant and easy-to-find locations. Simenc keeps one copy inside a kitchen cabinet door where a babysitter or relative can easily find it and follow the instructions in the case of an emergency. Posting shutoff instructions near the shutoff location (the valve for the water system or circuit panel for electricity) is smart.
Stay Informed
In the event of an emergency or disaster, homeowners should stay informed by listening to the radio or watching the TV. Officials will usually notify homeowners as to whether or not certain utilities should be shut off and whether or not they need to evacuate. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio is a useful device for any home. This radio turns on automatically when national or local emergency warnings need to be broadcast. They can usually be purchased for $30 to $50.
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Text by Benjamin Hardy
© 2009 BobVila.com
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