Natural Gas Preparation Tips For The Next Major Earthquake

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Southern California Gas Co. wants customers to prepare for the next major earthquake in the wake of the devastation in Japan.

Following a few preparedness tips can help reduce the chance of injuries or property damage from a quake, the utility said.

Before an earthquake:

Securely strap water heaters to prevent them from moving or toppling over. The water heater should be fastened securely to the wall studs in two places -- the upper and lower one-third of the tank -- with heavy bolts and metal straps.
Replace semi-rigid (aluminum or copper) gas appliance connectors with approved connectors made of corrugated metal, which are less likely to crack during an earthquake. Connectors and water heater strapping kits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Know where the natural gas meter is located. Gas meters are commonly located above ground next to the home on the side, front or back, but may also be in a cabinet or underground.
Have a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench handy to manually turn off the gas meter should it be necessary if a gas leak is suspected after an emergency.

After an earthquake:

Do not turn off the gas meter after an earthquake unless you smell gas, hear the sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a gas leak and only if it is safe to do so. Once the gas has been turned off, it may take SoCalGas several days to restore service, depending on the magnitude of the emergency. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
If there is an apparent gas leak, remain calm. Do not light a match, candle or cigarette, and do not turn electrical devices -- not even a light switch -- on or off, or use any other device or equipment that may cause a spark. Note that gas leaking from a plastic pipe can cause static electricity which can ignite the gas. From a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 -- or 1-800-342-4545 in Spanish -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or call 911.
If a gas leak is suspected and it is safe to do so, turn the gas off at the meter. Using an adjustable wrench, make a quarter-turn of the valve, moving it from a vertical position to a horizontal position. This will shut off the flow of gas. (A diagram and instructions for turning off the gas meter are printed in the "Survival Guide" section of most telephone directory white pages and is also available at socalgas.com).
If the gas is shut off at the meter, do not turn it back on without the help of SoCalGas. Gas service should not be restored until SoCalGas determines that the customer's facilities, appliances or other gas equipment are safe.