When Disaster Strikes, Here’s How to Strike Back
By observing a few simple emergency shut-off procedures, you can help protect your and your family during a natural disaster.
When Mother Nature comes calling with anything other than sweet sunshine and
balmy temperatures, you have cause for concern. Especially when “she” decides to send the extreme stuff, like an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, and other such pleasantries.So what’s a homeowner to do? Well, as your preferred plumbing resource, Rapid Service would like to offer a few ideas on how, when and why to turn off your main water and power supplies.
Water Shut-Off Procedures
F
ollowing a natural disaster, conduct a visual inspection for leaks in your various plumbing systems. Also, check your water supply lines by turning water faucets on and off. If the cold water stops running, runs very slowly after a few seconds, or is dirty, you most likely have a leak.In that event, you’ll want to shut off your main water supply. There are two basic means:
· Turn off the water where it enters the house…in many homes, there’s a valve just below your main outdoor faucet;
· Or, you can shut down your water supply by turning the valve attached to your water meter.
Water valves either have round or lever-type handles. With a lever, you only have to make a one-quarter turn to shut off your water. Round handles are typically harder to turn, so you may have to give it a few tries. To turn off your water, turn the handle clockwise. And if you don’t have a main water shut off, you should have one installed.
Power Shut-Off Procedures
In the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, do not turn lights on or off or use matches if you have gas heat! Instead, use flashlights to check for gas leaks to prevent an explosion or fire. If you do hear or smell a leak, shut off your gas valve and immediately open your doors and windows to vent the accumulated gas.Also, if you hear sparking sounds or see or smell smoke, then you need to turn off your electrical power. If your house has fuses, you’ll find a knife switch or pull-out fuse that should be marked “Main.” If you have a circuit breaker, turn off the small breakers first, and then the “Main” breaker. But whatever you do, never remove the metal cover.
Want to Know More?
For more information on how to protect your home following a natural disaster, call us today.
Visit our website at rapidservicellc.com for a $25 coupon that can be used toward any repair work or new installation.
Rapid Service LLC. We’re great to have: “Around the House.”
