Home Safe!

Amongst other topics I plan to cover in this blog is preparedness.  Preparedness for what?  For you and your family.   We in America are lucky compared to other countries and cultures. Others in the world have lived (or died) through the worst catastrophes, be they natural or man-made, while we watched, horrified, on our televisions, computers or smartphones.  Don't get me wrong, I use and love all of the things that I have access to in America.  In fact I'm typing this post on my iPhone since the iPad is charging :).

So we watch these catastrophes from afar and most people do what they can to help through monetary donations or missionary type work.  I am proud to be a "lucky American".  But I know that good things can't always last forever - so I want to be as prepared  as I can be.

One thing to consider when planning for a potential catastrophic event is to provide immediate safety for your and your loved ones.  The following article shows how to quickly make your immediate home environment safe by turning off the utilities.

Credit given to www.family-survival-planning.com for the following:

Learn How to Shut Off Utilities
in an Emergency

In case of a disaster of any type, it may be necessary to learn how to shut off utilities to avoid further damage to your family or your home. It is important that all family members learn this together.

If there is damage to your home or you are instructed to turn off your utilities:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.
• Know where to quickly find necessary tools. You may need an Emergency Gas Shut-Off Wrench.
• Teach family members how to turn off utilities.
• If you turn the gas off, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself.

How to shut off  your gas in an emergency:

Turning off the gas after an emergency is not always necessary. You do not need to turn off the gas unless you have reason to suspect a leak or unless you are told to do so by authorities.

You will need to know where your gas meter is before an emergency occurs.

To shut off the gas in an emergency, take these precautions:

• If it is dark, use only battery-powered flashlights or lanterns to help you find the meter.
• Have a wrench stored in a specific location where it will be available.
• If you smell or hear gas escaping after an earthquake or any emergency, or if you notice a large consumption of gas being registered by the meter, turn off your gas at the meter. The male shutoff valve is located next to the meter on the inlet pipe.
• Use a crescent wrench or an Emergency Gas Shut-Off Wrench and give the protruding valve a quarter turn in either direction so that it runs perpendicular (crosswise) to the pipe. The line is now closed.
• Do not use matches, lighters, or open flame appliances; operate electrical switches anywhere in your home; or start a car in your garage or drive way until you are sure not gas leaks exist. Flames and sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas, causing an explosion.
• Remember - once the gas is turned off, it can only be turned back on by a professional. In an emergency, that could take a week or more.

How to shut off your water in an emergency:

• Look for the shutoff valve outside if you live in a warm climate. It will typically be located where the water pipe enters the house Find the water meter and you'll locate the main shutoff nearby.
• Find your shutoff valve in the basement in cold climates - it may be set into a wall or on the water pipe leading to the water heater.
• Locate the shutoff valves on either side of the pressure tank if your water comes from a ground well. Turn off both valves.
• Shut off the water by turning the valve clockwise until it won't turn any more.

If you need to find the City supply shut off valve.

Search along your front boundary line for a plastic or metal cover. It's usually approximatly 12"-24" out from your fence line or curb.

To open the box:

• Round lid: You need to insert a screw driver and turn the lid (while jiggling up and down) It will come free when its lugs line up with gaps.
• Square or rectangle lid: Insert screw driver slot at one end and pry open.

Once you have the lid off you may now see a different type of tap top, but the principle will be the same.

• Turn clockwise until firm.
• Check to see if water has stopped running (front hose tap is the best.)

Tip: If shut off valve has not been off for some time, you may have to open and close a few times to free up tap thread.

How to shut off your electricity in an emergency

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

Preparing to Shut Off Electricity

• Locate your electricity circuit box.
  
• Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.