Home Security – Prep the Ark

Three Areas to Check Today

Prevention is your most effective tool against many common emergencies. Taking a few minutes to walk through these three safety zones can significantly reduce risk and minimize damage. Use this checklist to establish simple, proactive habits that keep your environment secure and provide lasting peace of mind.

Fire Safety Fundamentals

● Ensure smoke alarms are working and tested monthly.
● Know the location of your fire extinguisher and how to use it.

Water Damage & Flooding

● Know the location of your main water shut-off valve.
● Inspect basements/attics for potential leaks before storm season begins.

Physical Security

● Review evacuation routes.
● Ensure all windows and doors have reliable locks.
● Secure outdoor items that could become hazards in high winds.

Critical Knowledge:
Locating and Shutting Off Utilities

In a severe emergency—such as a major earthquake, flood, or fire—you may need to shut off your main utilities to prevent catastrophic secondary damage, like gas leaks or severe water damage. Knowing where your main shut-off valves and panels are located, and how to operate them safely, is one of the most critical preparedness skills you can master. Review these steps now, and make sure every capable adult in your home knows these locations.

Main Water Line Shut-Off

Goal:

Preventing severe flooding and water damage inside the home.

Instructions:

Locate: Your main shut-off valve is usually found where the main water line enters your home—often near the front foundation, in the basement, or near the water meter.
Action: Turn the valve until the water stops. If it has a round handle, turn it clockwise. If it has a straight handle (a gate valve), turn it 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the pipe.

Pro Tip:

Keep a simple Utility Shut-Off Tool or wrench near the valve, as some handles may be stiff or require more leverage than a bare hand.

About the image:

This image is a example of a typical water shutoff valve. Yours may look different. Contact your utility if you need assistance in finding your shutoff.

Main Gas Line Shut-Off

Goal:

Preventing dangerous gas leaks and explosions during or after severe shaking or fire.

Instructions:

Locate: Find the gas meter and the main shut-off valve—it is typically a rectangular or square valve located near the meter.
Action: Use a non-sparking utility wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn (90 degrees) in either direction. The valve is OFF when the long side is perpendicular to the pipe.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:

NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Only a qualified utility technician should restore gas service. Shutting it off is a crucial safety step, but turning it back on without inspection can be extremely hazardous.

About the image:

This image is a example of a typical gas meter and accompanying shutoff valve. Yours may look different. Contact your utility if you need assistance in finding your shutoff.

Electrical Main Panel Shut-Off

Goal:

Preventing electrocution, fire hazards, and appliance damage during flooding or utility surges.

Instructions:

Locate: Find your main electrical breaker panel, typically mounted on an exterior wall, basement, or garage.
Action: Find the main breaker switch, which is usually a large, single switch located at the top of the panel and often marked "MAIN." Flip this main breaker switch firmly to the "OFF" position to immediately cut power to the entire house.

Pro Tip:

Teach all capable adults how to locate and operate the main switch quickly. In an emergency, simplicity is speed.

About the image:

This image is a example of a typical electrical panel with main breaker. Yours may look different. Contact your utility if you need assistance in finding your panel and main breaker.

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Secure Your Sanctuary:
Protecting Your Home & Family

Three Areas to Check Today