Home Emergency: Know Your Shut-Offs

In an emergency, seconds matter. Find and label every shut-off now, not when something goes wrong.

Main water shut-off

• Usually near the meter (basement, crawlspace, or utility closet) or at the street curb box.
• Test it — turn it fully closed, then open a faucet to confirm water stops.
• Valve stuck? A spray of lubricant and patience, or call a plumber.

Gas shut-off

• The main valve is at the gas meter — a quarter turn so the handle is crosswise to the pipe means OFF.
• Do not force a stuck gas valve.
• If you smell gas (rotten egg odor): do not flip switches or use a phone inside — leave and call the gas company from outside.

Electrical — main breaker

• In your breaker panel, the largest switch at the top is the main.
• Flip it off to cut power to the whole house.
• Keep the panel area clear and labeled (mark each breaker with what it controls).

Build an emergency card

Keep a card near the panel with:

• Main water, gas, and electric locations
• Gas company and utility phone numbers
• A trusted plumber and electrician
• Insurance policy number and agent

Practice shutting off each utility once a year so it is muscle memory in a real emergency.