Picture water spraying from a burst pipe under the sink while you search the basement with a flashlight. It's a common first-year story, and the damage often depends on how quickly someone can turn off the water.

Spend an afternoon early on locating the main water shutoff valve, the individual valves under sinks and behind toilets, the gas shutoff if you have gas service, and the main breaker in your electrical panel. Make sure each valve actually turns, since old ones can stick. Label the breakers clearly if the previous owner didn't.

Show everyone in the household where these are and how they work. Keep a basic tool near the main water valve if it needs one to operate. If a valve looks corroded or won't budge, ask a licensed plumber to take a look before an emergency forces the issue. If you ever smell gas, leave the house first and call your gas utility or emergency services from outside. This small bit of preparation can limit damage and stress when something goes wrong.