Disasters come in many shapes and sizes, and they can strike without warning. But emergency planning can help minimize the risk, when there are such events. And knowing how to disable tools – long before the crash-is something that should be part of any emergency plans, according to FEMA.
Here are a few tips if you need power tools after natural disasters.
Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for "a significant number of fires" after the disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, so it is important that each household member over knows how to shut off natural gas emergency. Of course, different homes have different counter gas configurations, and in connection with shut-off procedures vary slightly. But it is likely that you will need a special key to perform the procedure.
Contact your gas company to determine what needs to be home and the exact procedure for shutting off gas. It may even be a good idea to post the instructions somewhere near the counter. If at any time, however the smell gas or hear a hissing noise, FEMA is doing to open the window and get everyone out of the House. Contact your gas company immediately.
FEMA warns before unscrewing the gas once it has been disabled; qualified, you must enable it again, says the Agency.
Water is a very important resource after the disaster, so you want to stay clean. Cracked lines can contaminate the water supply, which is why FEMA recommends that shut off the water after the crash, as long as you do not know that it is safe to drink. The water line that enters the House will probably have a shut-off valve easily recognizable.
Locating the main shut-off valve before the crash is important. If you have problems, contact a plumber or water area tool. After finding the water main shut-off valve, make sure everyone in your home knows where it is and how to disable it. In order to avoid any possible confusion, consider the water valve Identification card colored labels.
Sparks may cause electrical leakage of gas, causing the explosion, says FEMA. Which is why, after the disaster, electricity must be cut off immediately. If your home is the basement, the electrical circuit is probably there, but this is not always the case. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where is the circuit box, well before an emergency.
If you need help identifying the circuit, or simply feel uncomfortable about the process, contact a qualified electrician to help. Usually to turn off electricity, simply use the "main" circuit breaker located inside the electrical panel (usually on top).
Knowing how to find and disable tools at home well before an emergency is a good step towards disaster preparedness. (You should also plan how to win without tools). And while these tips may not do anything to prevent natural disasters, you can help prevent getting worse.
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