Project 4: Shutting of the gas and other utilities

GAS SHUTOFF

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1. Locate the main gas shutoff (usually outside the house) and all pilot lights.
2. Clear the area around the shutoff valve for quick and easy access in case of emergency.
3. A wrench (or specialty tool for turning off gas and water) should be attached to a pipe next to the shutoff valve or in another easily accessible but hidden location.
4. You may want to paint the shutoff valve with white or fluorescent paint so that it can be located easily in an emergency.
5. If you are concerned about your ability to turn off the main gas shutoff valve, are unsure whether it is in proper working order (indication of rust, etc.), or do not know how to relight your pilot lights, contact your local gas company. The gas company can send a service representative to your house to show you the proper procedure and check the valve and pilot lights to be sure that they operate properly.

ELECTRICAL SHUTOFF

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1. Locate the main electrical shutoff.
2. Your house may be equipped with fuses or circuit breakers. If your house has fuses, you will find a knife switch handle that should be marked "MAIN." If your house has circuit breakers, you may need to open the metal door of the breaker box to reveal the circuit breakers (never remove the metal cover). The main circuit breakers should be clearly marked showing on and off positions. If you have any subpanels adjacent to the main fuse or breaker panel or in other parts of the house, be safe and also shut them off in an emergency.

NOTE: All responsible family members should be shown how to turn off utilities in case of emergency.

WATER SHUTOFF

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1. Locate the main water service pipe into your house (probably in the front at the basement level). You will see a gate valve on the pipe. If you know there are leaks after an earthquake, you can shut off all the water in your house with this valve. You may wish to paint the valve so it is easy to find in an emergency.
2. You can shut off all water to your property by finding the water meter box (usually at the street or sidewalk). Open the cover with a long screwdriver or specialty tool. The valve can be operated by a special tool or with a crescent wrench. If this box is inaccessible or you cannot find it, call your water department.