Make sure your house is as safe as possible by following these few simple guidelines.

• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every six months. For more information and help with your Smoke Alarms, please the GFD ALRM Line Page.  
• Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation. 
• Keep ABC type fire extinguishers. Make sure you know how and when to use them. 
• Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals securely and separately from each other. 
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every six months. Install a carbon monoxide detector within 40 feet of all rooms used for sleeping. The carbon monoxide detector should be placed so it will be easily heard in all sleeping areas and should be installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Have a set place for storing your Emergency Supply Kit and a Go Bag.
• Know how and when to switch off your utilities. Keep utility company emergency phone numbers in one place near the telephone.
  • Knowing where your utility mains are and how to operate them is key to household safety and can significantly decrease property damage during an emergency. Make sure every member of your household is familiar with the location of your main water, electric, and gas switches and valves and knows how to operate them.  

Electricity:

Electrocution can be a very real risk during emergencies, resulting from exposure to live wires or anything that might have been electrified by them. Know where the main electric switch is in your home; it may be a pull handle or large circuit breaker in your fuse box. Make sure you shut off the electricity when:

• You smell burning material during a complete power outage. 
• The area around electrical switches or plugs turns black or is hot. 
• Burning occurs in electrical devices or large appliances. 
• You smell burning insulation (very distinct odor).

Natural Gas:

Undetected gas leaks can cause explosions and fires when not dealt with properly. The main gas valve should be next to your gas meter on the outside of your building. Since it may take several days to restore your gas, only turn it off if you detect a leak, either by smell or because the unmarked wheels on the gas meter are spinning.

If you detect a leak:

• Shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors. 
• Store a crescent wrench near your gas valve for emergency shut-off. 
• To turn off the gas, turn the lever a quarter turn. The gas is off when the lever crosses the direction of the pipe across the flow. 
• Do not use any open flames like candles or matches and do not turn on electrical switches or appliances. 
• Do not attempt to turn your gas back on. Call your local natural gas utility.

Water:

• In addition to property damage, water can cause electrocution when exposed to electrical wiring. Be sure to shut off your water when there is a severe leak in your building. 
• Your inside water shutoff valve is usually identifiable as a red or yellow wheel attached to a riser pipe in the basement, garage, or alley. 
• To shut off your water, turn the wheel clockwise.

During an emergency, the water supply may be compromised or become contaminated. It's important to make sure you have enough water for everyone in your household to last at least three days.

Recommendations

• Store one gallon of water per person per day (three gallons per person total) in an easily-accessible, cool, dark place
• Rotate your water supply every six months
• Water should be stored in tightly sealed plastic containers labeled with the date they will expire (six months after storage)
• Keep a small bottle of unscented liquid bleach for purifying water

If you have concerns about the safety of your water supply, you can:

• Boil water for at least five minutes at a rapid boil and let it cool before using
• Add eight drops of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water and shake or stir. Let it stand for 30 minutes before using. Chlorine smell and taste is normal.
• If you exhaust your water supply, you can use the water in your hot water heater by straining it through paper towels or clean cloth and treating it in one of the methods mentioned above.

For additional information:

• Red Cross - Food and water in an emergency