It takes deliberate planning to be prepared for most emergencies and—by extension—many disasters you may face. You may find that much of what you need to respond to an emergency is already in your home. How do you prepare for small emergencies such as our small late night/early morning water supply hose break? How would that help in a larger event?

Knowledge is one of the basic tools you need to be prepared. Can you answer “yes” to the following questions?

• Do you know where to turn off the water in your bathroom and kitchen? Do you know where and how to turn off the water supply at the house? Do you know how to turn off the water supply at the water meter (do you know where that meter is located?)?
  
• Do you know which breakers disconnect the electricity to air conditioning units, large appliances, and outlets? Do you know where the main breaker to the house is located?
  
• Do you have natural or propane gas for water heaters or home heating? Do you know the locations of the valves in the house? If there is a need, do you know how to turn off the main valve? Watch NDSU Extension Engineer Ken Helevang​ demonstrate how to turn off the main valve on the natural gas meter and on the propane tank.  [Do NOT turn main valves back on after a disaster—contact your local provider]​
  

My answers to these questions were a mix of “yes” and “no.” Yours probably were too. Take a few minutes to learn these basics, so you will be better prepared for the next emergency.

For information on preparing for future floods, visit eXtension.org. ​