how do you shut off your utilities during an emergency?

Answer 1

Oh jeeesh. Please do not pull your electric meter. That answer was not only wrong, it is very dangerous.

Please do not take advice from well meaning, but untrained and unqualified people on answers when it comes to things that could kill you or burn your house down.

In an emergency, call 911. Fire fighters know how to disconnect your utilities safely if that is required.

Answer 2

Correct order of turning off utilities:

Gas at the Gas meter (natural), at the tank (Propane)

Electricity at the main panel (disconnect switch).

DO NOT remove the METER!!!

If this is done incorectly, and/or you have a large electrical load running at the time; you could cause a flash-over (arc between phases and/or ground). This flash-over can cause you to fall back and severely injure yourself beside fro the fact you will likely get severe flash burns and eye damage. It can also cause a fire though less likely.

Turn off the water where the water comes into the house (usually inside).

As for the utility companies shutting down their services; they will likely do industrial and commercial areas first sice that is where the greatest volume is supplied and can cause the most loss to their companies.

If you live in a high rise - leave everything and get to safety. Just close the doors and windows.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I come from earthquake territory and I have learned how to quickly prepare for disaster.

Turn off your electrical panel my switching the mains off then have a wrench handy that you can turn off your gas main at the meter.

These two utilities are essential to be turned off first because the two together are hazardous. Most damage is caused by not turning these utilities off, not my the imminent danger itself.

The last utility you can turn off if the water main. You may need a box key to do this. Make sure your power and gas is shut off first. A leaky water pipe will do some damage but not as much as a fire.

Answer 4

Best thing to do is make a map of where all your shut offs are. Know where they are and how to shut them off. I suggest calling each utility and asking them which is the best and safest way to shut them off. They are not all the same.

Some say mark the route to each one with glow in dark tape or tap on battery lights so you can find them in the dark if need be. If its an unfinished basement I have seen people mark using the appropriate colors on the floor with paint. Little extreme perhaps.

If a tool is needed to shut something off keep it near the shut off so ya don't have to find it in an emergency.

Obviously if you are in any danger just get out of the house first. Keep the utilities phone #'s in your cell after you call fire or police.

Answer 5

I don't advise ripping the meter off because everything electrical is hooked to it and you will electrocute yourself. Have your water company show you where the water cut off knob is. You can buy the key for $4 at Lowes or Home Depot. You can search the edges of your property yourself for an inground box with a key large keyhole in the top (thats so they can turn it of and lock you out). As for gas, there is typically a cutoff switch where it meets the house in the backyard. If your house is newer, you should be able to see the line, if not ask the gas company to show you where it is. As for your electricity, look for your breaker box. At the bottom, there is one large switch that cuts the electricity off for the entire house. Push that and you've got it made. If that doesn't work, there should be another main switch by the meter outside. You public utilities companies should come out and show you for free.

Answer 6

take the main breaker which is usually at the top of the breaker box to the off position. you will have either an outside or inside valve for water. same holds true if you have gas. propane shut off is at the tank and natural is in a line valve.

Answer 7

Gas company will shut off your gas. Electric company will shut off your electric. Do not take the time to do these things yourself. Get yourself to a safe place. Emergency crews will contact proper companies.

Answer 8

Go to breaker box in home or outside and flip the main breaker.Do this ahead of time so you will know which one it is.Also locate and label all other breakers it is helpful for future use.Water can be turned off at meter sometimes you can turn off house at different location but at meter will take care of everything if you have propane turn it off at tank.Remember it is like turning off a water hose turn it to the right to turn it off.

Answer 9

Go outside and pull the electric meter (this involves breaking the power company's seal and physically removing the meter, which breaks all connection to the house) and shut off the external valve on the gas...water can be shut off at the meter out by the street, but in most cases it takes a special wrench.

Answer 10

each utility will be glad to educate you on this matter call and see.