This directory provides critical, potentially life-saving information for safely shutting off utilities during emergencies. Complete all sections with precise, verified details to ensure household members, house sitters, and emergency responders can act quickly and safely.
Property Nickname or Identifier
Complete Property Address
Primary Contact Person Full Name
Primary Contact Phone Number
Secondary Emergency Contact (Name and Phone)
Are you the legal property owner?
Property Owner Full Name and Best Contact Method
Will house sitters, guests, or property managers require access to this directory?
Provide names, roles, and expected duration of access for all non-family members:
Who will have primary access to this emergency directory? (Select all that apply)
Family members
House sitters
Property manager
Neighbors
Emergency responders
Rental guests
Other
Specify other parties and their relationship:
Accurate assessment of preparedness levels helps identify critical training gaps and ensures all occupants can respond effectively under stress. Answer candidly to establish a robust safety baseline.
Has every adult in the household received hands-on training for all utility shut-off procedures documented here?
When is hands-on training scheduled or planned?
Are all utility shut-off locations clearly marked with weather-resistant, high-visibility tags or signs?
Describe your labeling system in detail (colors, symbols, reflective materials, tag attachment method):
CRITICAL SAFETY GAP: It is strongly recommended to immediately label all shut-off locations with bright, weather-resistant tags showing utility type, shut-off direction, and date of verification.
How comfortable are you with physically locating and operating each utility shut-off within 2 minutes?
Very comfortable for all utilities
Somewhat comfortable for most utilities
Not comfortable with any utilities
Don't know where utilities are located
Would you like guidance on scheduling a professional utility safety consultation and hands-on training session?
Would you like guidance on scheduling a professional utility safety consultation and hands-on training session?
Rate your confidence (1=No confidence, 5=Very confident) in locating and operating each utility shut-off
Main Water Valve - Locate | |
Main Water Valve - Operate | |
Gas Meter Shut-Off - Locate | |
Gas Meter Shut-Off - Operate | |
Main Electrical Breaker - Locate | |
Main Electrical Breaker - Operate | |
Outdoor Hose Spigots - Locate | |
Outdoor Hose Spigots - Operate |
Which emergency scenarios might realistically require utility shut-off in your region? (Select all that apply)
Suspected gas leak or odor
Major indoor water leak or burst pipe
Electrical fire, sparking, or smoking outlets
Natural disaster warning (hurricane, tornado, flood)
Extended vacation or property vacancy
Home renovation or major repair project
Severe weather warning (freeze, storm)
Earthquake or structural damage
Other scenario not listed
Describe other scenarios and specific utility concerns:
PRECISION IS CRITICAL: Provide exact details for each utility system. Use permanent landmarks, measurements, colors, and cardinal directions. "Approximately 3 meters from the north wall, behind the red metal cabinet" is vastly superior to "in the basement." Specify tool sizes (e.g., "12-inch adjustable wrench") and any unique operation nuances.
Emergency Utility Shut-Off Location and Operation Details
Utility System | Exact Physical Location Description | Tool Required for Operation | Operation Direction to SHUT OFF | Photo Documentation Uploaded? | Last Physical Test Date | Current Physical Condition | Estimated Time to Shut Off (minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | ||
1 | Main Water Valve | Behind the blue insulated door in basement, southeast corner, mounted on wall 30 cm from floor, valve is red with yellow tag | No Tool/Quarter-Turn Lever | Clockwise/Right | 1/15/2024 | Good/Easy to Operate | 2 | ||
2 | Gas Meter Shut-Off | Exterior north wall of house, inside green metal cabinet, lower right side of meter assembly, wrench hangs on hook inside cabinet | Crescent Wrench (12-inch) | Counter-Clockwise/Left | 1/15/2024 | Stiff/Requires Moderate Effort | 3 | ||
3 | Main Electrical Breaker | Basement utility room, gray electrical panel on west wall, topmost breaker labeled "MAIN" in red, panel door has latch | No Tool/Quarter-Turn Lever | Flip Switch Down | 1/15/2024 | Good/Easy to Operate | 1 | ||
4 | Outdoor Hose Spigots | Front spigot: East side of house, behind hydrangea bush, 60 cm from ground. Rear spigot: West side of deck, under kitchen window, 80 cm from ground | No Tool/Quarter-Turn Lever | Clockwise/Right | 3/1/2024 | Good/Easy to Operate | 1 | ||
5 | Water Heater Shut-Off | Utility room adjacent to water heater, small red valve on cold water inlet pipe, top of heater | No Tool/Quarter-Turn Lever | Clockwise/Right | 1/15/2024 | Unknown/Not Tested | 1 | ||
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Identifying hazards and required safety equipment prevents injury during emergency operations. Document all risks and protective measures comprehensively.
Are there any physical safety hazards within 2 meters of utility shut-off locations?
Describe ALL hazards in detail: (e.g., "Gas meter behind thorny rose bushes", "Electrical panel requires stepping over water drainage area", "Basement stairs are steep with loose handrail", "Water valve is in confined crawlspace with low ceiling")
Do any utility shut-off procedures require special personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Specify required PPE and exact storage location: (e.g., "Rubber-soled shoes for electrical panel - stored in mudroom", "Safety goggles for gas meter - in garage cabinet", "Cut-resistant gloves for rusty water valve - under kitchen sink")
Are there lockout/tagout devices, padlocks, or security locks on any utility shut-offs?
Describe lockout procedure, key location, and authorized personnel: (e.g., "Gas valve has padlock, key is in kitchen drawer #3, only homeowner uses it. Lockout tag is red and in same drawer.")
Rate the accessibility of each utility location during challenging conditions (Very Accessible, Accessible, Difficult, Very Difficult, Impossible)
Very Accessible | Accessible | Difficult | Very Difficult | Impossible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Water Valve accessibility at night without power | |||||
Gas Meter accessibility in heavy rain or snow | |||||
Electrical Panel accessibility during complete power outage | |||||
Outdoor Spigots accessibility in ice or snow buildup |
Different emergencies demand different immediate actions. Clear, scenario-specific procedures prevent panic-driven mistakes. Follow-up questions provide corrective guidance for critical safety decisions.
What is the FIRST and most critical action if you smell gas inside the home?
Immediately shut off the gas valve before doing anything else
Evacuate all persons and pets from the building
Open windows to ventilate the gas
Check kitchen stove for leaks
CRITICAL SAFETY ERROR: Never shut off gas before evacuating. Operating a metal valve can create static electricity, potentially igniting concentrated gas. The correct answer is to evacuate immediately and call emergency services from a safe distance outside.
CORRECT: Evacuation is the absolute priority. Only shut off gas after evacuation if it is safe to do so, you are trained, and the valve is easily accessible without re-entering a dangerous area. Call emergency services from outside.
INCORRECT PRIORITIZATION: Opening windows is secondary to immediate evacuation. Never delay evacuation to ventilate. Life safety comes first. Evacuate, then call emergency services from a safe location.
DANGEROUS CHOICE: Never investigate sources before evacuating. Evacuation is the first and non-negotiable step. Investigating can expose you to lethal gas concentrations and delay critical emergency response.
Do you have a written, posted emergency action plan visible to all occupants?
Where is the emergency plan posted? (e.g., "On refrigerator", "Near main exit door")
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Create and post a simple emergency action plan. Include: 1) Evacuation routes, 2) Emergency contact numbers, 3) Utility shut-off locations, 4) Outdoor meeting point. Place near main exit or on refrigerator.
Rank these actions in order of priority (1=First, 5=Last) during a confirmed major gas leak outside the home
Shut off gas meter valve | |
Evacuate home as precaution | |
Call gas company emergency line | |
Warn neighbors | |
Ventilate interior by opening windows |
Emergency Scenario Response Procedures
Emergency Scenario | Immediate Action Priority | Priority Level (1=Low, 5=Critical) | Who Should Perform | Special Notes & Detailed Procedure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | B | C | D | E | ||
1 | Gas Leak - Inside Home | Evacuate immediately | Trained adult only | EVACUATE FIRST. Call emergency services from outside. Only shut off gas if safe, trained, and valve is outside or easily accessible without re-entering. | ||
2 | Major Water Leak Indoors | Shut off utility first | Any adult household member | Shut off main water valve immediately to prevent damage. Then address cleanup. If leak is near electrical, shut off electricity first. | ||
3 | Electrical Fire or Sparking | Evacuate immediately | Emergency personnel only | NEVER touch electrical panel if fire present. Evacuate and call fire department. Only shut off main breaker if fire is out and panel is safe to touch. | ||
4 | Pre-evacuation (Wildfire, Storm) | Shut off utility first | Any adult household member | Shut off gas and water before evacuating. Unplug appliances. Shut off main breaker if instructed by authorities. | ||
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Emergency tools must be immediately accessible, in good condition, and stored in known locations. Document every tool, its condition, and storage details. Include backup lighting for power-outage scenarios.
Required Emergency Tool Inventory and Status
Tool Name | Exact Storage Location | Quantity Available | Current Condition | Photo of Tool | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | B | C | D | E | ||
1 | Crescent Wrench (12-inch) | Utility drawer in kitchen, left side, in red tool tray | 1 | Good/Functional | ||
2 | Water Key/Meter Key | Hook on wall near water heater, yellow handle | 1 | Good/Functional | ||
3 | Flashlight (battery) | Kitchen junk drawer AND basement shelf near electrical panel | 2 | Good/Functional | ||
4 | Headlamp (hands-free) | Basement workbench, left side, in black case | 1 | Needs Replacement Soon | ||
5 | Utility Gloves (rubber-coated) | Under kitchen sink in blue bin | 2 | Good/Functional | ||
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Are emergency tools stored within 10 meters (30 feet) of the corresponding utility shut-off location?
Specify where tools are stored and estimated retrieval time during an emergency (e.g., "Wrench is in garage, 45-second walk from gas meter"):
Do you have backup power sources for lighting during electrical emergencies or nighttime operations?
Describe backup lighting (battery lanterns, UPS, generator) and storage locations:
STRONGLY ADVISED: Store battery-powered lanterns or headlamps near each major utility shut-off location. Power outages often coincide with utility emergencies.
Are tools secured against unauthorized use (e.g., children, visitors) yet accessible to adults during emergencies?
Describe the security/access balance method:
Emergency responders or house sitters need unambiguous access instructions. Provide detailed entry procedures while balancing security. Consider seasonal obstacles like snow, ice, or foliage.
Detailed Access Instructions (gate codes, hidden keys, parking, entry points)
Upload Property Layout Diagram, Blueprint, or Hand-Drawn Map
Is there an active security system that could impede emergency access to utility locations?
Provide disarm codes, procedures, and alarm company contact for emergency responders:
Are there any restricted areas that should NOT be accessed during utility emergencies?
Describe restricted areas and specific reasons (e.g., "Attic: risk of asbestos", "Shed: unstable structure"):
Do seasonal changes affect access to any utility shut-off locations?
Describe seasonal obstacles and mitigation: (e.g., "Gas meter buried in snow drifts - keep shovel nearby", "Outdoor spigot blocked by summer vines - trim monthly")
Supporting documentation transforms this directory from a static document into a dynamic, verifiable emergency resource. Include photos, videos, and direct utility company contacts.
Have you taken, labeled, and stored clear, well-lit photos of all utility shut-off locations from multiple angles?
Where are the photos stored? (e.g., "Google Drive: Emergency Folder", "Printed in binder on kitchen shelf")
HIGH PRIORITY: Take photos in good lighting. Store them digitally (cloud) and physically (printed). Share with house sitters before their stay. Photos should show location, tool, and operation direction.
Upload Utility Bills or Account Documents (for emergency reference numbers)
Additional Notes, Special Instructions, or Critical Observations
Are utility company emergency hotline numbers readily available and confirmed current?
List utility company names and 24/7 emergency numbers: Gas Company: Water Company: Electric Company: Other:
URGENT: Locate and verify 24/7 emergency numbers for all utility providers. Post them near the main phone, on the refrigerator, and include in this directory.
Completion of this directory acknowledges responsibility for maintaining accurate, current information and ensuring authorized persons understand emergency procedures. Review annually or after any property changes.
I confirm that all information provided in this directory has been physically verified by me or a qualified professional within the last 12 months. I understand that outdated information can cause delays and increase risk during emergencies.
I understand that utility shut-offs should only be performed during genuine emergencies, authorized maintenance, or scheduled testing. I acknowledge that improper or unnecessary shut-off can cause system damage, safety hazards, and service restoration costs.
I agree to review and update this directory annually, or immediately after any changes to utility systems, property layout, tool locations, or contact information. I will ensure all authorized persons receive the current version.
Household Member or Property Manager Signature
Completion Date
Printed Full Name of Signatory
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