Utilities

When disaster strikes, it often affects one or more of the utilities in your home. It is important to know where the main controls are located, and when and how to turn them off. Only responsible persons should attempt to turn off your utilities.

Electricity:

Locate your main electrical switch or fuse panel, and learn how to turn off the electrical power system. Never turn your power off by attempting to remove the electric meter, this is extremely dangerous.

If a generator is used as a backup power supply, remember to follow the manufacturers instructions. Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator and not to the electrical system.

If you suspect damage to the electric system after the disaster, do not turn the power back on until your system is checked by a professional electrician.

How to shut off the electricity:
If your house has fuses – You will find a knife switch handle or pullout fuse that should be marked

MAIN: Remove all of the small fuses first, then remove the MAIN fuse.

If your house has circuit breakers: Open the metal door of the breaker box to reveal the circuit breakers. The main breaker should be clearly marked showing ON and OFF positions. Turn off all the small breakers first, then shut off the MAIN.

If you have any sub-electrical panels, you will want to shut them off, too.

Water:

Turn off water at the main meter or at the water main leading into the house. This will prevent contaminated water from entering your water heater and plumbing.

If you suspect damage to your pipes, do not turn the water back on until your system is checked by a licensed plumber.

Turn off the valve — turn to the right. 

Sewer system:

Typically sewer systems may not be turned off in a home.

Make sure your sewer system is functioning properly before using it. This will prevent the contamination of your home, and possibly the drinking water supply.

Gas Meter:

Locate your gas meter and valve.
Have a wrench immediately available for turning off the gas supply.

If you smell natural or propane gas, evacuate immediately and leave the area. Go to where you no longer smell gas. Do not use matches, lighters or open flame appliances. Do not operate electrical switches because sparks could ignite gas causing an explosion.

Shut off gas only if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise.

Once the natural gas to your home or facility is shut off, contact the gas company to turn the gas back on. Do not turn the gas back on yourself, even if you suspect no damage has occurred. 

Call Before You Dig:

Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT! Here’s what you need to know first:

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences. 

To have utilities marked before digging in the Borough of Catasauqua Dial 811 or 1-800-242-1776