Don’t Think It Won’t Happen To You
Do you know if your plumbing system is ready in case of a natural disaster? Every homeowner, business, and renter should have a plan in place to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family, and those around you in the case of a natural disaster. Don’t think a natural disaster won’t hit your home. It’s not “if” it will happen, but “when” it will happen. Our schools, both city and private, practice drills for natural disasters; our families should do the same. Review the steps you should take during a natural disaster, at least a couple of times a year.
Disaster Preparedness Emergency Management
Acquaint yourself with your community’s disaster preparedness programs and develop a family plan that includes escape routes, an emergency meeting location, and a point of contact for worried relatives.
Confirm that all adult and teenage family members know where to locate the gas, electric, and water shutdown controls and how to deactivate them in the event of a water leak, gas leak, or electrical shortage. Ensure the necessary tool is within close proximity, and each family member knows how to use them. Additionally, assemble an emergency kit.
Know Your Plumbing System
What should you know about your plumbing system in a natural disaster? Many homes in California are susceptible to flooding and earthquakes. Every homeowner needs to have the necessary knowledge of how to handle a natural disaster. Here are some of the basics you should know:
Emergency Preparedness Checklist – Know Your Plumbing System
- Locate all the cleanouts in your home. In most cases, there is only one.
- Know the location of your central water shut-off valve.
- Your home has three shut-off valves: one at the water meter, another at the house, and your irrigation. You should know how to shut them off.
- Learn how to access and shut off your gas.
- Know how to shut off your electricity.
- Know how to shut off water to each sink in your home.
- Turn the gas off on your water heater.
- Learn how to turn off the water supply to your water heater.
- Be informed on how to drain your water heater.
Under Extreme Conditions
Under extreme conditions of flooding, the city’s main sewer line can back up. Opening your cleanout can prevent your home from backing up. In older homes that experience flooding, the main sewer line tends to lift and pull apart at the fittings. When the flooded area dries, you’ll see a damp area that doesn’t show signs of drying. The same goes for earthquakes, pipes including sewer lines, can shift or break. Our government has put together a checklist of what you’ll need in case of a natural disaster, https://www.ready.gov.
Be Prepared For A Natural Disaster
Spend the effort now to gather the emergency supplies you’ll require if the lights go out, the water is turned off, and the supermarkets are closed. You can gradually expand your supply by adding a few products as your budget allows. The following are essential emergency items, the majority of which you probably already have in your home.
- Ensure that each person has at least one gallon of water every day for a minimum of three days. If feasible, keep a drinking water supply for longer than three days. Daily, the average person requires approximately 3/4 gallon of fluid. Individual requirements vary according to age, gender, health, degree of activity, diet preferences, and climate. Additionally, you may require water for your preparing your food.
- Maintain a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food for all individuals, including pets. Take into account any dietary restrictions (e.g., infant formula). Incorporate a manual can opener for any canned goods.
- You’ll need a flashlight, radio, and cell phone charger. All devices will need chargers without using electricity. You can charge your smartphone using a solar-powered or hand-cranked charger. The radio and flashlight should either be hand-cranked or battery-operated with backup batteries.
- Fire extinguisher
- A whistle to call for help.
- Have a first aid kit prepared in advance that includes medical supplies and over-the-counter medication.
- Sanitation products such as hand sanitizer, paper towels, towelettes, paper products, and plastic bags.
- Cash on hand if ATMs were to go down.
- Clothing, work gloves sleeping bags, or warm blankets.
Natural disasters and even a pandemic can put significant stress on any household. Being prepared for the worst can put some of that stress to rest.
