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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2019 25 Emergency Preparedness Committee TURNING OFF YOUR UTILITIES "Turn off the lights. Do you think we own the electric company?" You may be asked by local authorities to shut off your utilities (electricity, gas and water). Do you know where the shut offs are and how to shut them off? This article will show you where your shut offs are; how to shut them off and why you are being asked to do it. Your main electric switch is located inside the electrical box which is usually on the side of the house or garage. You open it up and shut off all of the breakers before shutting off the main breaker. An electric shut off may occur because of an arcing electrical device; a fire; a water leak or you smell burning insulation. Natural gas leaks can cause an explosive or flammable atmosphere inside a building. If you smell gas you must shut off the main valve and open all windows. Never use candles or lighters if you suspect a gas leak. Do not touch any electrical appliances. You need to locate your gas meter outside of your home. The shut off valve is open if it is vertical. If you want to close it you must turn the valve until it looks like a minus sign. Always keep a crescent wrench or gas shut off tool nearby to turn the valve. A homeowner may shut off his gas but only a gas company professional can turn it back on again. There are automatic shut-off valves which automatically turn off the gas during an earthquake; but you run the risk of having it shut off during a minor quake. Water is a vital resource following a disaster. It is vital that household members know how to shut off their water. Water leaks may cause an electrocution hazard. It is wise to shut off your water until you are given the all clear by authorities. There are two shut- off valves into your property. Never shut off your water at the meter. Locate the shut-off where the water line enters your home. You turn the valve clockwise or to the right to shut it off. A more detailed explanation may be found in the Four Seasons Residents' Emergency Handbook, which can be found on our website fourseasonsbeaumont.org We meet the third Tuesday of the month. The next EPC meeting will be on Tuesday, April 16, at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. ~ Michael A. Mendoza, srmendoza@verizon.net The Community Planning and Transition Committee is continuing to fulfill its charter to address the HOA takeover from K. Hovnanian which is expected to occur at the conclusion of 2019. We received a request for a minor alteration to the Off Leash Area specifications; revised specifications have been drafted and await final gas company approval any time now. Eric is in weekly contact with them. Research continues for additional storage, amphitheater modifications and solar energy considerations. Additionally, we are examining putting green configurations in response to a proposal submitted to us recently. We analyzed the project scope to craft an HOA Annual Plan. It will be formulated in conjunction with the Master Plan already in development. We welcome homeowners' interest. Our meetings are held at 9 am on the fourth Thursday of the month in the RCN Conference Room. Please come visit us. ~ Johanna Ballard, classicalharmonies@ gmail.com Community Planning & Transition Committee