Label the main shutoffs and utility panels before you move so your family can act fast and stay safe if there is an emergency.

When preparing to move house, identify and clearly label the main water shutoff, the gas shutoff, and the electrical service disconnect or fuse box using durable, weatherproof labels or tags placed directly on or next to the valves and switches. Locate the water meter and any secondary shutoffs for irrigation or hot water heaters and write a short note showing which direction closes the valve, since some valves turn clockwise and some turn counterclockwise. For gas, find the external service valve and the interior appliance shutoffs, then mark them and practice a quick quarter turn to see how they operate without forcing the valve. For the electrical system, show family members how to open the meter box and where the main breaker or fused disconnect is, and label individual circuits for high priority items like medical equipment, heating, refrigerator, and sump pump. Put a laminated one page emergency procedure sheet near the main phone location and another near the primary entry so anyone can follow step by step instructions to cut utilities and call for help. Finally, run a low stress household drill with everyone at least once to walk through locating and operating each shutoff so responses become automatic.

Most people forget to use durable materials so labels fade or fall off; use weatherproof printed labels or metal tags tied with stainless steel wire and check them during routine maintenance. Another common mistake is assuming everyone knows the valve direction; mark each shutoff with clear arrows and a short phrase like close to shut off, and have one person demonstrate it aloud during the drill. A third issue is hiding important locations in closets or behind stored items; keep the emergency sheet posted in a visible common area and remove obstructions from access paths so turning a valve or opening a panel is never delayed.

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