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Emergency Preparedness
- Check house piping and appliances for damage.
- Check for fires or fire hazards.
- Do not use matches, lighters or other open flames.
- Do not operate electrical switches, appliances or battery operated devices if natural gas leaks are suspected. This could create sparks that could ignite gas from broken lines.
- If gas line breakage is suspected, shut off the gas at the meter. This should be done, however, only if there is a strong smell of natural gas or if you hear gas escaping.
- Wear heavy shoes in all areas near broken glass or debris. Keep your head and face protected from falling debris.
- Turn on a battery operated radio (if no gas leaks are found) or car radio to receive disaster instructions.
- Do not use your telephone except in extreme emergency situations.
- Familiarize yourself and family with the location of the electrical breaker panel.
- Turn off breakers for areas of concern.
- Main breaker may be shut off if in doubt.
- In cases of basement flooding:
- Think before stepping in any water.
- A shock hazard may exist even in an inch of water if an extension cord connection is on the floor.
- If the electrical panel is upstairs, shut off all circuits.
- If the electrical panel is in the basement, determine whether it can be reached on dry ground. If not refer to the next step.
- Check your house electrical meter. If it is on your home there may be a main disconnect switch (breaker) next to it. If the meter is on an under- ground service, it may be in front of your home; but there should be a main breaker where the line enters the home. Shut it off!