Planning a vacation or preparing for an emergency? Whether you’re leaving home for an extended trip or facing a natural disaster, shutting off your home’s water, gas, and electricity can prevent costly damage and dangerous situations. This guide will walk you through what to turn off, when, and why—so you can leave with peace of mind.
🚰 When & Why to Turn Off Water
Before Vacation
✅ Turn off the main water supply if you’ll be away for more than a week to prevent leaks and water damage.
✅ Shut off the water heater or set it to “vacation mode” to save energy.
✅ If leaving in winter, keep the heat on (above 50°F) to prevent frozen pipes.
During an Emergency
🔹 Burst Pipe: Shut off water immediately to stop flooding.
🔹 Sewage Backup or Contaminated Water Alert: Prevent bad water from entering your home.
🔹 Natural Disaster (Earthquake, Hurricane, or Flooding): A broken pipe can cause major water damage.
💡 How to Shut It Off: Locate the main water shut-off valve, usually near the water meter or in the basement, and turn it clockwise to stop the flow.
⚡ When & Why to Turn Off Electricity
Before Vacation
✅ Unplug major appliances (TVs, computers, microwaves) to prevent power surges and fires.
✅ Turn off unnecessary breakers but leave essential ones on (like security systems and the fridge).
✅ Set your thermostat to a safe temperature (50°F in winter, 80°F in summer).
During an Emergency
🔹 Power Outage: Turning off the main breaker prevents damage when power is restored.
🔹 Flooding: Water and electricity are a dangerous mix—shut off power to affected areas.
🔹 Electrical Fire or Sparks: Turn off the power immediately before using a fire extinguisher.
🔹 Downed Power Lines Near Your Home: Prevent a surge by cutting power at the breaker box.
💡 How to Shut It Off: Locate your electrical panel, open it, and flip the main breaker switch to “off.”
🔥 When & Why to Turn Off Gas
Before Vacation
✅ If gone for weeks or months, consider shutting off the gas supply to prevent leaks.
✅ If not shutting it off completely, turn off the gas supply to water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves to save energy.
During an Emergency
🔹 Gas Leak (Smell of Rotten Eggs or Hissing Sound): Shut off gas and evacuate immediately!
🔹 Earthquake: Gas lines can break, leading to leaks and explosions.
🔹 Evacuation for Wildfire or Hurricane: Shut off gas to prevent a fire hazard.
💡 How to Shut It Off: Use a wrench to turn the main gas shutoff valve (usually outside near the gas meter) 90 degrees until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
🔥 Hot Water Tank & Furnace Shut-Off
Before Vacation
✅ Set water heater to “vacation mode” or turn it off to save energy
✅ Lower furnace thermostat to a safe level (above 50°F in winter)
✅ Turn off gas supply to water heater and furnace if not needed
During an Emergency
🔹 Gas leak – shut off gas to water heater and furnace immediately
🔹 Flooding – turn off power and gas supply to prevent damage
🔹 Earthquake – shut off gas and water to prevent leaks
🔹 Furnace malfunction – turn off gas and electricity to the unit
📍 Location of Water Heater Shut-Off Valve: _______________
📍 Location of Furnace Shut-Off Valve: _______________
📍 Thermostat Setting for Vacation: _______________
💡 How to Shut Off the Water Heater:
- Electric Water Heater: Turn off the breaker for the water heater in the electrical panel.
- Gas Water Heater: Locate the gas shut-off valve near the tank and turn it to the “off” position.
- Shut off the cold water supply valve located at the top of the tank to prevent further water intake.
💡 How to Shut Off the Furnace:
- Gas Furnace: Locate the gas shut-off valve near the unit and turn it to the “off” position.
- Electric Furnace: Switch off the corresponding breaker in the electrical panel.
- If needed, turn off the thermostat to prevent it from running unnecessarily.
Why It’s Important to Know These Shut-Offs
Knowing how to quickly turn off water, gas, and electricity can prevent major damage to your home, reduce safety risks, and help you respond effectively in emergencies. Taking a few minutes to locate and label shut-off points now can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations later.
Where to Store This Checklist
✅ Keep a printed copy in an emergency binder or utility area
✅ Store a digital copy on your phone or cloud storage
✅ Share with family members so everyone knows what to do
Final Tips for Home Safety While Away
✅ Tell a trusted neighbor or family member your travel plans.
✅ Set timers for lights to make it look like someone is home.
✅ Secure all doors & windows before leaving.
✅ Test your smoke alarms & security system before your trip.
Taking just a few minutes to shut off the right utilities can prevent disasters, save money, and give you peace of mind while you’re away.
🔹 What’s your best vacation prep tip? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
⚠️ Disclaimer: I am not a licensed electrician, plumber, or gas technician. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. If you are unsure about shutting off any utility in your home, contact a certified tradesperson for guidance and assistance.