Utility Shutoff Reference Card
Fill in your home's specific valve and breaker locations, then post this card near your main panel or inside a kitchen cabinet so anyone in the household can act quickly in an emergency.
Utility Shutoff Reference Card
Fill in all fields. Post near main electrical panel.
Gas Shutoff
| Field | Your Information |
|---|---|
| Main gas meter location | |
| Shutoff valve location | |
| Tool required (e.g., crescent wrench) | |
| Tool storage location | |
| Gas utility emergency line |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate meter, valve handle is perpendicular to pipe when closed |
| 2 | Use wrench to turn valve 90° (handle across pipe = OFF) |
| 3 | Do NOT turn gas back on yourself, call your utility company |
Electrical Shutoff
| Field | Your Information |
|---|---|
| Main breaker panel location | |
| Breaker panel key / lock location | |
| Sub-panel locations (if any) | |
| Electric utility emergency line |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open breaker panel door |
| 2 | Flip individual breakers to OFF, then main breaker to OFF |
| 3 | Verify power is off before touching any wiring |
Water Shutoff
| Field | Your Information |
|---|---|
| Main shutoff valve location | |
| Street shutoff location (curb box) | |
| Tool required (curb key) | |
| Water utility emergency line | |
| Hot water heater location |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate main valve (usually near water meter or where line enters house) |
| 2 | Turn clockwise (righty-tighty) to close / shut off |
| 3 | Open a faucet to release pressure in the lines |
Breaker Panel Map
| Breaker # | Circuit / Room | Amps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Whole house | ||
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Phone Number | Account # |
|---|---|---|
| Gas utility | ||
| Electric utility | ||
| Water utility | ||
| Plumber (emergency) | ||
| Electrician (emergency) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the main utility shutoffs in a typical home?
The main water shutoff is typically near the water meter, in a utility room, or where the main line enters the foundation. The main electrical shutoff is in the service panel (breaker box). The natural gas main shutoff is at the gas meter, usually requiring a wrench to turn. Locate and label each shutoff in your home before an emergency, fumbling to find them during a crisis costs critical time.
When should I shut off my home's utilities?
Shut off gas if you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or are ordered to evacuate, do not use electrical switches or phones until you are outside. Shut off electricity if flooding is approaching or you smell burning. Shut off water if you have a burst pipe, a water main leak, or are leaving during a disaster. Never restore gas service yourself, always call your utility company.
What tools do I need to shut off home utilities in an emergency?
Keep a utility shut-off kit near your main shutoffs: an adjustable crescent wrench or dedicated gas shutoff tool for the gas meter, a flashlight, and heavy work gloves. Store this kit in a consistent, accessible location and tell all responsible household members where it is. Some preppers mount a dedicated gas shutoff wrench directly on the gas meter pipe for instant access.