RSS - September

Knowing how to shut off utilities — long before a disaster occurs — is something that should be a part of every emergency plan. Pre-planning and fast actions can save both lives and property.

When and how should you turn off your natural gas?

Water is an extremely important resource after a natural disaster, so you want it to remain clean. Cracked water lines may pollute your water supply, which is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends you shut off the water after a disaster until you know it's safe to drink. You need to know how to shut off the water to your home.

Electrical sparks could ignite natural gas if it is leaking, and they could also cause other flammable materials to catch fire. It is wise to teach all household members how to shut off the electricity in your home.

● Locate your home's electrical circuit box.

● For your safety, always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit.

● If your house uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, keep extra fuses on hand in case one blows during an emergency. Never replace a fuse with one of higher amperage.

● Finally, make sure your circuit breaker or fuse box is properly labeled so you know exactly what switches cut power to what areas of the house.

A home generator is a handy piece of equipment to have around when the utilities go out or have to be turned off. Portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, or propane and typically have two electrical outlets. (Note: Extension cords are also necessary as portable generators cannot be run inside the house because of fumes.)

Here are some of the advantages of having a home generator:

● Provides power to tools and appliances when you need supplemental electricity.

● Can be used to charge cell phones and power laptops and other electronic devices.

● People who work from home keep the Wi-Fi, PC, printers, and internet running.

● May make the difference between life and death if you or a family member is dependent on a medical device, such as a heart monitor or an oxygen tank.

● You could lose hundreds of dollars in refrigerated and frozen foods if the power stays out more than a few hours. Additionally, maintaining refrigeration is vital if anyone is taking medicines that need to be refrigerated, e.g. insulin, antibiotic liquids and injections. If, however, you connect the fridge to a portable generator, you won't have to worry about the expense of restocking your food or doing without life-sustaining medications.

Click HERE for a useful article from Consumer Reports that provides information to help you determine the kind of generator that best meets your needs (recreational inverter, mid-sized inverter, large inverter or portable, or home standby).