Utility Outage

Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building.

  • If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.
  • Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.
  • Identify the main shutoff valve, which is located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Your main valve may look like this:
  • To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe (see below) the gas is off.
  • Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
  • Once you turn off the gas, never attempt to turn it back on yourself. wait for your utility company to do it, but be aware that it may take several days for it to be turned back on.

Electrical

General tips when an electrical power outage occurs:

  • If the electricity is interrupted, back up computer files and shut down computer.
  • If you have sensitive equipment not plugged into a Surge Protector, unplug the sensitive equipment to protect them from power surges when service is restored.
  • Turn off as many lights and other electrical items as possible; this will help eliminate potential fire hazards and lessen the power draw when service is restored.
  • If power is unavailable, contact your local Power Company.
  • If an injury has occurred, immediately call 911.

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

  • Locate your home’s main electric switch, which is normally in the garage or outdoors, where the power lines enter the home. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker. Shut off electricity when:
    • Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices.
    • There is a fire or significant water leak.
    • You smell burning insulation.
    • The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/or hot to the touch.
    • A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.

Water
Water leaks can cause property damage and create an electrocution hazard.

  • Shut off the water when there is a leak inside the building.
  • The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage, or where the water line enters the home. The water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel.
  • Turn wheel clockwise to shut off.