Know what to do
Know what to do with your utilities to secure and make your home safe in the event of a disaster:
Natural Gas
Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.
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
Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
Once you turn off the gas, never attempt to turn it back on yourself. Wait for your utility company to do it, but be aware that it may take several days for it to be turned back on.
Electricity
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 in the garage or outdoors, where the power lines enter the home. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker.
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.
Water
Water leaks can cause property damage and create an electrocution hazard.
Shut off the water when there is a leak inside the building.
The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage, or where the water line enters the home. The water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel. Turn wheel clockwise to shut off.
In an emergency
During an emergency situation involving the campus, UNL's main Web site may convert to a low bandwidth version, free of the majority of graphics to ease transmission and server load. The emergency Web site will be a primary mode of communication, to be continually updated.
During an emergency, our goal is to communicate first with those most immediately impacted; people who need to evacuate or seek medical treatment.
University Communications leads the communications response during and after emergencies, factually assessing each situation, developing the communications response, and assembling a crisis communications team. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to minimize rumors and restore order and confidence.
During an emergency, the UNL community and general public may receive information through the Web, e-mail, telephone, and the media.
News information about current or recent emergencies on campus and updates on the University's emergency management activities. Members of the media (link to media emergency contact site) can find information 24/7. Up-to-date university information is provided at UNL Today.
