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Home Safety

Locate Your Utility Shutoffs

Know how to safely turn off gas, water, and electricity.

After a disaster, you may need to shut off your utilities to prevent fires, flooding, or electrical hazards. Knowing where and how to turn off your gas, water, and electricity before an emergency can save precious time and protect your home.

Gas

  1. 1.Find your main gas shutoff valve — usually near the gas meter, outside your home.
  2. 2.Keep a proper-size wrench stored right next to the valve.
  3. 3.Turn the valve a quarter turn so the handle is crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe to shut it off.
  4. 4.Only turn the gas back on yourself if your utility company instructs you to — otherwise call a professional.

Water

  1. 1.Locate your main water shutoff valve — often near the street, in the basement, or where the line enters the home.
  2. 2.Turn the valve clockwise (or to the 'off' position) to stop the flow.
  3. 3.Label the valve so everyone in the household knows where it is.
  4. 4.Shutting off water can help prevent flooding if a pipe is damaged.

Electricity

  1. 1.Find your main electrical panel (breaker box) — usually in a garage, basement, or utility room.
  2. 2.Locate the main breaker switch, typically at the top of the panel.
  3. 3.Flip the main breaker to the 'off' position to cut power to the whole home.
  4. 4.Never touch the panel with wet hands or while standing in water.

Important

Only shut off your gas if you smell gas, hear gas blowing, or are instructed by authorities. Once turned off, a professional must restart it — so don't shut it off unnecessarily.