Don’t Forget The Utilities!

Reading through the “Are You Ready” manual from FEMA, it occurred to me that shutting off your utilities isn’t discussed as much as it probably should.

As part of your preparations, know where the water, natural gas, and electrical shutoff valves and switches are. Make sure that you know how to turn them off. And make sure that any needed tools are readily available.

Whether sheltering in place, or evacuations are in order, turning off the utilities can protect our families and property.

Some things to think about in regards to utilities:

1. Water–Turning off the water to your house can keep bad water from contaminating the water that is in your home, if the water supply becomes contaminated.

2. Natural Gas–Most natural gas explosions at the result of a disaster happen at the home, shutting it off limits the exposure to this problem.

3. Electricity–Electricity is often the spark to ignite fires in homes. Be sure to shut off the individual breakers before shutting off the main electricity switch.

For more details on this and tons of other preparedness information get your free copy of “Are You Ready.” Click here to go to FEMA’s website to download.