Before an emergency, identify and document your home’s important utility locations, emergency contacts and household plan. A clear record helps family members, guests and service professionals find information without relying on memory. It does not replace emergency responders or professional instructions.
Your home-readiness checklist
WATER: Record the verified main household water shutoff location, a clear photo, access instructions and your plumber’s contact.
GAS, IF PRESENT: Record the meter or shutoff location and gas utility emergency number. Ask the utility how and when action is appropriate.
ELECTRIC: Record electrical panel and main-disconnect locations. Note solar, battery or generator equipment and the responsible service contacts.
CONTACTS: List emergency services, utilities, plumber, electrician and a household contact.
HOUSEHOLD: Agree on exits, a meeting place and where the information is kept.
VERIFY: Mark uncertain locations “Unknown — Needs Verification” and arrange qualified help.
1. Find the main water shutoff before a leak
Locations vary by home. Review inspection or builder handoff documents, then ask a plumber to identify the household main valve if you are unsure. A fixture valve is not necessarily the main shutoff. Photograph both the wider location and the identified valve. Do not operate utility-owned equipment or force a stuck valve. Ask a qualified professional to demonstrate safe operation for your specific home.
2. Know the gas emergency response
If you smell gas, hear a suspected leak or see other signs of a gas leak, leave immediately. Do not delay evacuation to find a valve or use the kit. Avoid electrical switches, appliances and ignition sources. From a safe location, call 911 and your gas utility. Southwest Gas lists 877-860-6020 for suspected leaks. Do not turn gas service back on yourself; restoration requires qualified personnel.
3. Document electrical equipment without opening it
Identify panel and disconnect locations with qualified help where needed. Do not remove covers, touch exposed wiring or approach wet electrical equipment. Solar, batteries and generators may create additional power sources; turning off one device does not establish that everything is de-energized. Have a licensed electrician or system provider document the appropriate equipment and safety instructions.
4. Make the record easy to find
Use plain directions such as “inside the garage, left wall beside the exterior door” after the location is verified. Keep the route clear. Add a wide photo, a closer identification photo and a verification date. Store household records securely rather than posting private home details publicly.
5. Walk through the plan together
Show adult household members and relevant house sitters where the information is kept. Explain when to leave and call for help. Give children age-appropriate evacuation instructions rather than assigning utility operations. Review the record after plumbing, electrical, solar or battery work, and when contacts change.
A copy-and-complete home record
Main water shutoff: ____________________
Verified by / date: ____________________
Gas utility and emergency number: ____________________
Gas equipment location, if applicable: ____________________
Electrical panel / main disconnect: ____________________
Solar, battery or generator service contact: ____________________
Plumber / electrician: ____________________
Household meeting place: ____________________
Information kept at: ____________________
How ShutSafe fits
ShutSafe Home Kit is an indoor documentation kit for keeping previously identified shutoff locations, electrical information and emergency contacts together. It does not detect hazards, operate valves or make an unsafe area safe. Read the product FAQ for details. Realtors, inspectors and property managers can explore ShutSafe for Professionals as a homeowner handoff resource.
Quick answers
Should I guess where a shutoff is? No. Record uncertainty and have the location verified.
Should I stay inside to use the kit during a suspected gas leak? No. Leave immediately and call from a safe location.
Is a digital record enough? Keep important information accessible if power, a phone or internet access is unavailable.
Official preparedness sources
Ready.gov safety skills covers preparedness and utility knowledge. Southwest Gas leak guidance explains evacuation and emergency contact steps. Follow the instructions of your utility, local authorities and qualified professionals.
Published October 9, 2026. Prepare and verify information before an emergency.
