Emergency Preparedness

Know where your shutoffs are, what to do in an emergency, and who to call. Don't wait until you need this information to learn it.

Know Your Shutoffs

Main Water Shutoff

Where: Usually near the water meter — basement, crawl space, or near exterior wall where water line enters.
How: Turn clockwise (gate valve) or perpendicular to pipe (ball valve) to shut off.
When: Burst pipe, major leak, or leaving home for extended period in winter.

Gas Shutoff

Where: Near the gas meter (exterior) or where gas line enters the house. Each appliance has its own shutoff too.
How: Use a wrench to turn valve 1/4 turn perpendicular to pipe. If you turn it off, only the gas company should turn it back on.
When: Gas smell (rotten eggs), suspected leak, or earthquake. Leave the house first and call 911.

Electrical Main Breaker

Where: Electrical panel — usually basement, utility room, or garage.
How: Flip the main breaker to OFF position. Individual breakers control specific circuits.
When: Flooding, electrical fire, or before major electrical work. Label your breakers!

Toilet Shutoff

Where: Behind/below each toilet — small oval valve on the wall.
How: Turn clockwise to shut off water to that toilet.
When: Toilet overflowing or won't stop running.

Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibs)

Where: Interior shutoff usually in basement near where the pipe goes through the wall.
How: Close interior valve, then open exterior faucet to drain.
When: Before winter to prevent frozen/burst pipes.

Emergency Contacts to Have Ready

  • •Emergency services: 911
  • •Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
  • •Gas company emergency line (for gas leaks)
  • •Water utility emergency line
  • •Electric utility emergency line
  • •Homeowner's insurance claim line & policy number
  • •Trusted plumber (for after-hours emergencies)
  • •Trusted electrician
  • •HVAC service company
  • •Locksmith
  • •Neighbor contact (for emergencies when you're away)

What to Do When...

Burst Pipe / Major Leak

  1. Shut off main water valve immediately
  2. Turn off water heater (if gas, turn to pilot)
  3. Open faucets to drain remaining water
  4. Call a plumber
  5. Document damage for insurance — take photos/video
  6. Start water extraction if safe to do so

Gas Smell

  1. Do NOT flip any light switches or use electronics
  2. Open windows if easy to reach
  3. Leave the house immediately
  4. Call 911 or gas company from outside
  5. Do NOT re-enter until cleared by fire department

Power Outage

  1. Check if it's just your house or the neighborhood
  2. If just yours: check main breaker, then individual breakers
  3. Report outage to electric utility
  4. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from surge when power returns
  5. Keep fridge/freezer closed (food stays safe 4 hours in fridge, 48 hours in full freezer)

Flooding / Water in Basement

  1. Do NOT enter standing water if electricity is on — shut off main breaker first
  2. Identify source (sump pump failure, sewer backup, external flooding)
  3. Call a water mitigation company for significant flooding
  4. Document everything for insurance before cleanup
  5. Run dehumidifiers immediately to prevent mold (mold starts in 24-48 hours)

Furnace Stops in Winter

  1. Check thermostat batteries and settings
  2. Check furnace filter (clogged filter can cause shutdown)
  3. Check breaker and furnace power switch (usually a light switch near unit)
  4. Look for error codes on furnace display
  5. If gas: check pilot light / ensure gas valve is open
  6. Call HVAC tech — many offer emergency service

Insurance Tips

  • • Document your belongings: Walk through each room with video, open drawers and closets. Store in cloud.
  • • Review your policy annually: Make sure coverage matches your home's current value.
  • • Understand what's NOT covered: Standard policies typically exclude floods, earthquakes, and sewer backup. Buy riders if needed.
  • • Know your deductible: Small claims may not be worth filing if they're close to your deductible.
  • • Keep receipts: For major purchases and home improvements — helps with claims.