Electricity:
Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

·         Know where the main electric switch is in your home. It is normally in the garage or outdoors, where the power lines enter the home.  It may be a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker or 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 and/or is hot to the touch
• Burning occurs in electrical devices or large appliances
• You smell burning insulation
• Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices
• There is a fire or significant water leak

Some emergencies can cause power outages. When an outage occurs, call your local electric company as soon as possible to report the outage. Outage safety tips:

• Never go near a downed power line, and don’t touch anything that is touching a power line.
• Keep fresh batteries in flashlights and a portable radio. Listen for weather and power restoration updates.
• Disconnect major appliances to avoid damage that could occur while restoring service.
• Many cordless phones require a plug-in (electric) power source to operate. Keep a cell phone or a basic phone (e.g. wall phone) that can operate on power delivered through the phone line.
• Only use generators that have been installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Never plug a generator directly into your home’s wiring system unless an approved transfer switch is installed by a qualified contractor.
• If you have a water well and pump, keep a supply of bottled water.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Food will stay colder longer if the door is kept close.

Natural Gas:
Gas leaks can cause explosions and fires.  A natural gas leak will smell like rotten eggs.
 

·         If you smell natural gas or even suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately.

·         Don’t stop to open windows and don’t touch anything that might create a spark, such as a light or telephone.  If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity.

•   Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.

·         Don’t try to find the leak yourself. Call your local gas company from a safe area outside of the house (e.g. a neighbor’s house). If someone is ill or there is an open flame anywhere in the area, call 9-1-1 immediately.

·         If you smell an odor of gas outside, you should leave the area immediately and report it just as you would for an odor inside.

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 the 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 where the water line enters the home.
• To shut off your water, turn the wheel clockwise.