Follow this advice to safely shut off your utilities in an emergency situation.

A natural disaster can strike with very little warning.  That's why it's so important to have an emergency response plan.  One of the first things you should do to secure your home and family after an emergency is shut off your home's utilities.  Not sure how to shut off your natural gas, water, and electricity?  Read on to learn how. Natural Gas Following a natural disaster, your home may be more susceptible to a gas leak.  To prevent a leak from placing your home and loved ones in danger, it's important to shut off your home's natural gas.  Because every home has their own gas meter configuration, you may have to call your local utility company beforehand to learn how to shut off your gas.  Once you understand the process, post the instructions somewhere near your gas meter.  Remember, if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise at any time during the shut off process, you should gather your family and evacuate your home immediately. Water During a natural disaster, cracked pipes can result in water pollution.  To prevent this dirty water from entering your home, you'll need to shut off your water.  First, you'll need to locate your main shut-off valve.  Once you find it, turn the knob or handle clockwise until the valve is closed fully.  You should avoid turning your water back on until it is declared safe to drink. Electricity Because a rogue electrical spark could result in a house fire, shutting off your electricity is one of the first things you should do after an emergency.  Luckily, shutting off your electricity is a relatively straight forward process.  All you need to do is locate your home's circuit box.  From there, you will switch off all the circuits before turning off the main circuit breaker.  You shouldn't turn your electricity back on until you are sure your home does not have a gas leak. Follow these steps to turn off your natural gas, water, and electricity after an emergency.  Want another way to secure your home and family during a natural disaster?  Make sure you have the proper insurance protections in place.  To find the right coverage to address your needs, contact the experts at East End Insurance Agency in Southold, New York.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.