Shutting off your utilities after a fire is one of the easiest ways to prevent more damage. Plus, it can help keep your family safe during the cleanup and restoration process. We look at when and how to shut off your utilities after a fire. We cover turning off the gas and electricity, as well as when it’s necessary to turn off the water.
Why Should You Shut off Your Utilities After a Fire?
Depending on the fire, you may need to turn off your utilities to prevent more damage. Electricity can cause shocks or fires. Gas is extremely flammable and could cause fires or explosions.
For fires involving electricity or natural gas, it is best to shut off the utilities as soon as possible. If you are able to do so safely, you should turn them off before firefighters arrive on the scene.
For other fires, the fire department or your restoration technician will advise you if it is necessary to shut off your utilities after a fire. If you doing your own cleanup, carefully check for sparks or gas leaks that could cause damage before beginning restoration.
Turning off your utilities after a fire reduces the risk of more damage during the cleanup process. Plus, it may be easier for your restoration contractor to rebuild the damage as well.
While you normally don’t need to turn off your water, it may be necessary for some situations. They may also turn it off during the restoration process.
Tips for Turning Off Your Utilities
If you have had a fire, here are some tips for how to turn off the utilities:
- Gas: To turn off the gas, locate the main gas valve. This is usually located near the meter or in a basement or utility room. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
- Electricity: To turn off the electricity, locate the main circuit breaker box. This is usually located in a basement or utility room. Flip all of the switches to the “off” position.
- Water: To turn off the water, locate the main water shut-off valve. This is usually located near the meter or in a basement or utility room. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
Once you have turned off the utilities, contact your local utility company to let them know what has happened and arrange for a professional to come out and inspect the lines.
How Do I Shut off the Gas After a Fire?
To turn off the gas after a fire, there are two places to look. While the house-side shut off might be easier to reach, it’s better to use the street-side shut off. The gas meter valve is more secure and provides greater protection.
Look for your street-side shutoff valve at your gas meter outside your home. It’s typically located on the side of your house but could be near the back or even somewhere in your yard.
In most cases, you will need an adjustable crescent wrench to turn off the gas valve. It’s a rectangular stem connected to the gas pipe. Use your wrench to turn the stem ninety degrees.
If you cannot turn the stem yourself, call the gas company to have them shut it off for you. Since it may take time for a utility crew to come out, you should shut off your house-side valve while you wait.
When Is It Okay to Turn the Gas Back On?
Only turn the gas back on once you have the all-clear from the fire department and your restoration technician. This will prevent natural gas leaks or other problems that could result in a fire or explosion.
How Do I Turn off the Electricity After a Fire?
Shutting off your electricity is very easy. All you need to do is open up your breaker box and flip the main switch at the top. Even if you still have a fuse box, it will have a main switch that you can turn off.
However, remember that electricity is dangerous, especially if water is involved. Make sure that you are not standing in water when touching your breaker box. Also, take precautions if water is near outlets or other electrical items.
When Should I Turn the Power Back on After a Fire?
You should only turn the electricity back on once you are cleared to do so by the fire department or your restoration contractor. Turning the power on sooner could result in electrocution, additional damage or even another fire.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local fire damage restoration specialists offer 24-hour service and fast, free quotes.
Do You Need to Turn off the Water After a Fire?
In most cases, you do not need to turn off your water after a fire. Unless the fire damaged your plumbing or the fire department directs you otherwise, it is safe to leave your water on.
The only exception would be if you are planning to temporarily move out of the house because of the fire damage. Since you won’t be home, a water problem could easily go unnoticed.
Most water shut off valves are located inside the house, usually along the wall closest to the street. If you have a basement, it is usually a few feet off the floor. Otherwise, look for the valve in a utility closet.
If you cannot find the water shutoff valve, call your local water company and have them shut the water off at the street.
If you do need to shut the water off, consider draining the pipes during the winter to prevent frozen or burst pipes. To drain them, shut off the water valve, then allow all of your facets to run until water stops flowing.
Once you turn your water back on, you will likely have discolored water. To clear the water service lines, run every faucet for at least five minutes. If your water heater was off for an extended amount of time, you should drain it as well.
If you’ve shut off your utilities but need help cleaning up, call Restoration Local at 877-941-2788 now for fast, reliable fire damage restoration services. Our restoration technicians are available around the clock for a free in-home estimate and immediate cleanup and repair services.
