FloodSmart - prepare now for tomorrow. Turn it off … gas, electric and water
If your property is about to be flooded, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies - if it's safe to do so - do not touch an electrical switch if you're standing in water.
Ensure you are aware of how to do this before you need to!
Meters could be in various places inside or outside of your home, including:
- in a garage
- at the back of your house
- under the stairs
- in the kitchen
- outside the front or side of your house
In multiple occupancy buildings, the meter can also be in various places around the home or in communal areas.
How to turn off the electricity
You do this by using the main ON/OFF switch on the consumer unit, fuse box or distribution board. Make sure you know where your mains switch (or switches) is. Some installations, electric storage heaters for example, might have a separate consumer unit.
The most important switch in the consumer unit is what is known as the main switch. In the event of a problem, this is the switch that you will need to put into the off position.
How to turn off the gas supply
There are different types of meter box, and they vary depending on the pressure in the gas mains and the meter's location. There are four types of meter box ...
- Built in/recessed
- Semi concealed
- Surface/wall mounted
- Kiosk
Open your gas meter box and locate the red tap handle near to the pipe. This is the emergency control valve (ECV). This handle will be aligned with the pipe. To switch off the supply you should turn it either a quarter turn clockwise or anticlockwise.
Water supply - turn off the stopcock
Stopcocks are usually found in your kitchen, below the sink unit. However, in some houses the stopcock is found in a front or back hall or in a cupboard near to the sink.
The stopcock looks like a spout-less tap or lever and sits between two lengths of pipe acting as a connector.
It's advisable to check if you can move the lever, as over time they can seize.
Mains water stopcock - external
While every house should have a stopcock inside, it isn't guaranteed that you'll have one outside as well, especially if your property is old.
If it is within the property boundary, then it is your responsibility to maintain and operate the valve when necessary, including making repairs to the valve if it becomes damaged. If the stop tap is located outside of the property boundary, then it is the responsibility of your local water company.
Read more: Where Is My Stop Tap? - Southern Water