Gas Utilities

Gas leaks, natural gas or propane, can cause fires and explosions inside building.

• If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.
• If you suspect a leak, never use candles or matches, and do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.
• Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the natural gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Natural gas valve may look like this:
• To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe the gas is off.
• Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
• Once you turn off the natural gas, never attempt to turn it back on yourself. Wait for your utility company (Enstar) to do it, but be aware that it may take several days for it to be turned back on.
• Propane tank valves should be turned clockwise, right to left, to turn them off. Valves are usually located on the top of the tank under the protective cover near the tank gauge.

Electric Utilities

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.

• Locate your home’s main electric switch, which is normally outdoors, where the power lines enter the home. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker.
• Many homes in Alaska have lines which come to the main power box underground, or have the main box set up away from the house, and not attached at the house. Know where your box is and teach your family.
• Shut off electricity when:
• Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices.
• There is a fire or significant water leak.
• You smell burning insulation.
• The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/ or hot to the touch.
• A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.
• There is a propane or natural gas leak and you cannot shut off the main valve.

Water Utilities

If you live in the cities of Wasilla or Palmer and receive water through that municipal water system, shut off the water at the house to protect the water in your water heater, toilet tanks, and house pipes after a major earthquake. Well systems may also suffer contamination due to flooding or earthquake. Cracked pipes may allow contaminants into the water supply. In addition, water leaks can create property damage and electrocution hazards.

• The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage or where the water line enters the home. The city/municipal water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel. Turn wheel clockwise to shut off.
• If you need to access water in your water heater, look for a drain line on the bottom of the water heater. Remember to let it cool before you try and get the water out or you may get burned.

Sewer/Septic Utilities

Homes with municipal water such as the cities of Wasilla and Palmer may also be receiving sewer service. Most other homes have septic tank systems. A disaster that disrupts all or part of water and/or sewer lines could affect the way you deal with human waste. Septic tanks may be affected to a lesser degree.

• If there is no water to your toilet, but the sewer lines are intact, pour 3-5 gallons of water into the toilet bowl to flush. You may use seawater, bath, laundry or pool water.
• If you suspect damage to your home’s water lines, do NOT flush the toilet. Turn off the water at the house so contaminated water does not enter your water system.
• If sewer lines are broken, line the bowl with double-bagged plastic garbage bags to collect human waste. Before discarding the bag, add a small amount of bleach; then seal the bag and place in a tightly covered container, away from people and pets.
• If the toilet is unusable, use a sturdy bucket with a tight fitting lid, and line it with a double-bagged plastic garbage bag. Filled bags will need to be stored outside far away from cooking areas, open water or busy areas. In warm weather bags may be stored or buried for later disposal. In cold weather a distant location may be used with the expectation the bags will freeze and need to be disposed of after the disaster.