You can prepare your household for emergencies in one year by taking a few small steps each month.

The task for August is to get utility safe. Utility safety largely consists of familiarizing yourself with the turnoff valves for gas, water, and electricity and making sure your gas systems and electrical systems are safe.

To prepare, do the following:

1. Find out where your water and propane shutoff valves are. If you haven’t mapped your neighborhood yet, consider doing so and find out where your neighbors’ shutoffs are.

2. Hang a silcox key or a crescent wrench (at least 12 inches long) near the propane tank.

3. Check the safety of your propane tank location. Read more here.

4. Clean your heat pump filter.

5. Clean your dryer vent.

   That’s it! When you’re done, complete the submission form.

Read more about Prepare in a Year 24 here.