Look for the main valve where the water supply enters your house (usually in the basement) or in a concrete box near the street.
If the valve is outside your house, lift the cover with a large screwdriver.
Then, use a pipe or crescent wrench to turn off the water. (Mark the shut-off valve with fluorescent paint or tape so you can find it in the dark.)
Drain all water from the system, including your hot water heater, if you must evacuate do to the weather being very cold.
Contact your local water utility for more specific instructions.
Store Water
Use clean, unbreakable containers.
Disinfect water before filling containers.
Properly seal or cap containers after filling.
Have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Store enough water for several days (3-5).
Disinfect Water One way to disinfect water is to boil it for 1-3 minutes. (Keep it at a full rolling boil for at least 1 minute.) Or, you can:
Keep emergency supplies of water-disinfecting tablets or liquid chlorine bleach on hand.
Generally, for each gallon of water, you should use 8-10 drops of liquid chlorine bleach or follow the directions on the water-disinfecting tablets package.
Mix the water thoroughly, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes.
Note: Disinfecting water in these ways is not effective if the water has been chemically polluted. If you suspect chemical contamination, contact your local water utility.
Help Avoid Emergencies Always report broken or damaged waterlines to your water utility immediately.
