March 2022
Greetings from your Linnton NET (Neighborhood Emergency Team). This newsletter will review what you should know about shutting off utilities in an emergency.
Shutting Off Utilities
Knowing how to shut off utilities is an important part of every emergency plan. Although this knowledge can’t prevent a natural disaster or emergency, it may help preventing your situation from getting worse.
Emergency planning should also include how to live without gas, water, and electricity for days or weeks.
Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks can be dangerous. After an earthquake, if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, get everyone out of the house, then turn off the meter. At other times, contact your gas company immediately (811). NW Natural says, “Smell, Go, Let Us Know.”
Know where your main shutoff valve is. To shut off the gas, use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. If the valve is parallel with the pipe, it means the gas line is open. Don’t turn the gas back on after you’ve turned it off; it requires a qualified professional to turn it back on.
Water
Clean water is extremely important after a disaster and water lines may crack and allow water to become polluted. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends you shut off your water immediately after an earthquake until you know it is safe to drink. Some experts suggest filling a bathtub after a disaster; if it’s polluted, you can still use it for sanitation. Make sure you have adequate water stored–14 gallons per person is considered a 2-week supply.
Everyone in the household should know where the main shut-off is and where the house shutoff is, and how to turn them off. The main shut-off valve is usually outside under a heavy cover marked “water” and the house shutoff is on a riser pipe. Turn the handle clockwise or the lever crosswise to the pipe so the valve is completely closed to shut off the water. Don’t turn it back on until you’re sure it’s safe. To reduce confusion, consider labeling the water valve with an identification tab.
Electricity
In an emergency, if wiring or appliances are damaged or you smell burning, the electricity should be shut off immediately. Electrical sparks may ignite a fire following a natural disaster.
To turn off the electricity, flip the “main” circuit breaker located inside the electrical panel, usually at the top. Everyone in your home should know where the electrical circuit box is before an emergency. It may be in the basement, if you have one. Make sure you have flashlights nearby with extra batteries.
Go to the Linnton Neighborhood Association website and the NET webpage to find Andrew Beckman, Linnton NET from Harborton, introduce a 5-minute video on Utility Shutoffs: https://linntonna.org/get-involved/net/
Help us help you. Join us at our online monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month by emailing nancyhiser@comcast.net for an invitation.