Going on Vacation?

The City of Eugene "Seniors on Patrol" program offers a free home check service while you are away on vacation or business. To take advantage of this free service you will need to complete a Home Vacation Check Application at least one week prior to the start date of your vacation. Be sure to fill out the application completely and as detailed as possible.

Visit the city's Home Vacation Check Program page for more detailed information about the program. You can also contact Program Manager Debbie Janecek by or call her at 541-682-8845 or West University Public Safety Station at 541-682-5642 with any questions you may have about the form or the program.

Even if you do not take advantage of this service you may want to review page 2 of the application for tips on keeping your home safe and minimizing the chances of an unpleasant homecoming.

Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Here is what to do with utilities if a major disaster, such as an earthquake occurs.

GAS: KNOW WHERE your gas meter is. Keep an adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench and instructions in a plastic bag next to your meter if possible.

In an emergency:

Locate the shutoff valve on the riser pipe from the ground to your meter (Figure A). On newer meters , it is on the service line going from your meter into the house (Figure B).
Use an adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the valve head is parallel to the pipe, it is in the OPEN position.
Turn the valve head crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe, and it will be in the OFF position. There are also natural gas shutoff valves on the lines fueling individual pieces of equipment.

For more detailed explanation and diagrams, check NW Natural's website and type in “disaster preparedness.”

WATER: Know where your water turn-off valve is. Turn off water main to the house to trap water in your home and to keep pollutants out of possible drinking water in your hot water heater, for example. Also, turn off the water to your hot water heater if it has a turn off valve. This will allow you to drain water from the bottom spigot to use if necessary. (Check out EWEB's website, and type in “disaster preparedness.”)

ELECTRICITY: Locate your electrical circuit box. Shut off the individual circuits before shutting the main circuit breaker. Electricity sparks can set off natural gas leaks. (Check out EWEB's website and type in “disaster preparedness.”)