What household systems should every adult know how to shut off?

Gas, water, and electricity. The main water shutoff is typically near the meter, in the basement, or in a utility closet. Individual shutoffs sit under every sink, behind every toilet, and at the washing machine. The gas shutoff is usually at the meter, and the electrical panel has a main breaker. Locate and test each one before an emergency, when there is no pressure and full light.

What is a Level 1 repair?

Household Basic: safe for most careful beginners, requiring only basic tools with clear stopping points and low risk of injury or property damage if done incorrectly. Replacing a toilet flapper, patching a small drywall hole, replacing weatherstripping, and clearing a slow drain are common examples.

When should I call a professional instead of attempting a repair myself?

Always for electrical panel work or any live circuit work, gas lines within 12 inches, load-bearing wall or structural work, and steep-pitch roofing. These thresholds apply regardless of skill level or confidence, since the consequences of a mistake are severe and often not obvious until after the fact.

How often should HVAC filters be changed?

Most standard filters need changing every 60 to 90 days, more often with pets or during heavy heating and cooling seasons. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder and shortens its life. Set a recurring reminder rather than relying on noticing, since most households do not notice until efficiency has already dropped.

Do I need a certification to practice basic home repairs?

No certification is required for Level 1, Household Basic repairs like the ones on this checklist. First aid and CPR certification is a separate, worthwhile investment available locally through the Red Cross and CERT programs, and it is the single highest-return skill most households can add.

Domain Checklist

Skills Preparedness Checklist. Preparedness is not only what you store. It is what you can fix.

Preparedness is not only what you store. It is what you can fix. This checklist covers knowing your home's systems, practicing basic repairs, keeping up with maintenance, and knowing exactly where your own capability ends.

shutoffs every household should know

skill level: household basic

12"

gas line distance: call a pro

shame in calling a professional

Step 1

Know Your Home's Systems.

Every household has shutoffs for gas, water, and electricity. Find them, test them, and know them before an emergency, not during one.

Home Systems

Learn to shut off your home's gas, water, and electricity
Test every individual water shutoff under sinks, behind toilets, and at appliances

Step 2

Practice Basic Repairs.

Level 1, Household Basic repairs require only basic tools and have clear stopping points. Practicing one before it is urgent builds real capability.

Basic Repairs

Practice at least one Level 1 repair: a running toilet, a slow drain, or a small drywall patch
Keep a repair reference saved for your home's specific systems

Step 3

Maintain What You Own.

Routine maintenance is what keeps systems from failing at the worst possible time.

Maintenance

Change HVAC filters on a schedule, not when you remember

Home Protection

Clear gutters, downspouts, and drains around your home

Step 4

Know When to Call a Professional.

Competence includes knowing your own limits. Some repairs are never a do-it-yourself job.

When to Call a Pro

Complete a first aid and CPR certification
Know the thresholds where a licensed professional is required

Gear

Essentials. Start here.

A basic toolkit and a saved repair reference cover most of what this checklist asks for.

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