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.