Understanding the utilities in your house or apartment can not only come in handy for general upkeep, but is critical when an emergency strikes. In case you missed, it, here are a few tips from our Relief Society activity last week. A big thanks to Brother Whatcott for teaching us the tricks of the trade and for allowing us to post a couple videos on the site.
Electricity
Since electrical sparks have the potential to ignite natural gas leaks and can be dangerous in a flood, it's important to know how to turn it off. Make sure you know where your circuit breaker inside and outside of your house or apartment are. If you live in an apartment complex, the outside circuit breakers are generally clumped together somewhere outside the building, like this:
Here is a short demonstration on turning off your electricity:
Water
Most homes have a main water shut-off valve located on an interior wall within the home, generally where the service line enters the house. If you experience a leak or flooding you can shut off the water flow inside the house by turning the valve off. Like with most appliances, turn it to the right to shut if off (righty tighty) and the left to turn it back on (lefty loosey).
You can also shut off the water in the meter vault in front of your house. Here's how:
Natural Gas
Here are some situations where you should turn off the gas meter:
For some more tips on natural gas, see this brochure from Questar Gas.
Here are some situations where you should turn off the gas meter:
- If there is structural damage to your home.
- If you smell natural gas.
- If you hear natural gas leaking.
- If there's a fire.
- If your natural gas isn't working after a disaster.
For some more tips on natural gas, see this brochure from Questar Gas.
Furnace
Below is a video with a few tips on your furnace. Make sure to replace your filter about every 6 months. Brother Whatcott recommended using the cheaper air filters as opposed to the expensive ones, as they generally allow more air flow.
For more information on taking care of your furnace, here is a link to another brochure from Questar Gas.
For more information on taking care of your furnace, here is a link to another brochure from Questar Gas.
Water heater
And finally, here is some advice on turning off and maintaining your water heater. In the case of an emergency, note that the water in your water heater is generally drinkable.
And finally, here is some advice on turning off and maintaining your water heater. In the case of an emergency, note that the water in your water heater is generally drinkable.
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