Having
basic knowledge of your utility main controls is vital in the case of
an emergency in greatly reducing property damage. Educate all members
of your family and make sure they are familiar with the locations of
the valves and switches of electric, gas, and water mains and how to
operate them.Water:
Water
is a huge contributor to property damage, but it can also cause a
severe hazard when exposed electronics come in contact with it.
Make sure the water main in your home or building is shut off when
there is a severe leak.
- Your water valve can usually be found outside by the curb with a heavy circular covering on it.
- To shut off your water, turn the valve clockwise.
Electricity:
Electricity
can get out of control during an emergency and your family needs to be
prepared in handling situations in which exposed wiring or electricity
is electrifying other items. The safest, most certain way of dealing
with electrical emergencies is to simply avoid electronic devices and
shut them off as soon as possible. Locate the main electric
switch in your home; it may be a pull handle or large circuit breaker
in your fuse box. Make sure you know how to shut off the electricity
when any of the following occurs:
- During a complete blackout you detect a burning smell
- If surrounding pieces of switches or plugs turn black or is hot to the touch.
- In large devices that usually work properly, burning is occurring.
- You smell burning insulation (very distinct).
Natural
Gas:
Gas
leaks cause explosions and fires when they go undetected and not
handled properly. The main for your gas supply should be located next
to your gas meter, usually, located in the back of your home. Due to
the difficulty and precaution of turning the gas utility back on; the
process usually takes several days, so only turn it off if you detect a
leak and are ABSOLUTELY SURE.
If leak is detected:
- Shut off the main valve and ventilate home by opening windows and doors:
- Keep a crescent wrench near gas main for emergency shut-off
- To turn off the
gas, turn the lever a quarter turn. The gas is off when the lever
crosses the direction of the pipe across the flow.
- In presence of a gas leak DO NOT USE CANDLES OR ANY OPEN FLAME DEVICES.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN YOUR GAS BACK ON - CALL YOUR LOCAL NATURAL GAS UTILITY.
For Additional Information Regarding
Local Plano Utilities: