Long-time residents of Southern California know firsthand how alarming an earthquake can be. Earthquakes can find you off guard, which is why it’s so important to know what to do ahead of time to prevent another catastrophe inside of the home. Knowing where the gas main is located and how to shut it off is potentially life-saving, and it’s something you and your family members should learn to do.
Be Prepared
Before an earthquake hits, you should make sure that you and your family members know what to do if anyone detects the smell of gas. Know the location of the gas shutoff valve, and ask a technician if you need help finding it. Keep a pipe wrench next to the valve so that you can quickly shut it off in case of an emergency. If you do smell gas, make sure everyone gets out of the home safely.
Shut Off the Valve with a Pipe Wrench
Keep in mind that if you shut off the gas, you’ll need your utility company to turn it back on. For this reason, you may only want to turn it off if you notice the smell of gas. To shut off the gas valve, simply use the pipe wrench or crescent wrench to turn the valve ¼ of the way in either direction.
Consider an Upgrade
Here in California, you can never be too prepared for an earthquake. If you add an automatic gas shutoff valve to your home, you won’t have to worry about what might happen if you weren’t there, or if you couldn’t reach the gas valve easily. This valve detects seismic activity and automatically shuts off the gas to your home in an earthquake.
Considering an automatic gas shutoff valve for your home in Azusa? Need more tips? Call Ace Pelizon Plumbing today. World class service is just around the corner!
