Teach your family about risks associated with water leaks, including damage to your home and electrocution hazards. It is vital that each member of your household learn where the shutoff valve is located and how to turn off the water.

- Find the main water shutoff valve to your home. Water valves are usually located near the water meter, in a basement, or in a garage.

- Please note: This is not the street valve in the cement box at the curb. That valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool.

Other Water Utility Notes:

- During extremely cold weather, leave one or more faucets open, allowing water to trickle out and keep pipes from freezing.

- Regardless of whether your home has city or well water, follow boil orders when advised by city management.

It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

- Find the location of your electrical panel box, and teach all family members how to turn off the main breaker to your home or apartment. Electrical panel boxes are typically located in a garage, basement, laundry room, or closet.

Other Electrical Utility Notes:

If you have a generator and lose power to your home, DO NOT hardwire a generator into your electrical panel. An explosion, fire, or electrocution can result. Contact a professional electrician or vendor for information about whole-house backup generators and transfer switches.

When using a gasoline-powered generator, follow the manufacturer’s operation guidelines, including placing a generator outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.