The use of electricity and gas are important parts of our daily lives and the dangers associated with these utilities must be respected.
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Electrical sparks have the potential to ignite natural gas if it is leaking. Prepare to shut off electricity:
- Locate your electricity circuit box
- Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house. Check the cords of appliances in your home as well as the plugs and connectors. Make sure they are not frayed, cracked, or damaged or placed under rugs or carpets, resting on the furniture, or located in high-traffic areas.
- Do not nail or staple cords to walls, floor, or any other objects
- Inspect all outdoor connections, appliances, and tools for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings
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If your home uses propane as a heating or cooking source. Have your home’s propane tank properly installed by a qualified professional and serviced on a regular basis. Propane tanks are extremely flammable
- Do NOT store tanks in a building, garage, or enclosure
- When not connected for use, keep the tank valve turned OFF
- Never store a spare tank beneath a grill
- Always store tanks upright
- Never store a tank in temperatures of 125 F degrees or more
- Never use or store a propane tank indoors
- Do not try to repair a damaged tank or tank valve
- Do not use portable propane heaters, stoves, or lanterns in tents, campers, truck caps, RVs, or other unventilated enclosures, especially while sleeping
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Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following any major earthquake. Here are some steps to shut off the natural gas:
- Locate the shut-off valve (make sure this valve will turn. To shut off the gas, turn the valve 90 degrees or 1/4 turn so that it crosses the pipe)
- If your valve is rusted open, do NOT put WD-40™ lubricant on it. It may corrode the O-rings that allow the valve to turn
- Attach a wrench to the meter or the wall directly behind the meter
- Choose a crescent wrench that is at least 12 inches long
- Adjust it to fit your valve before hanging it behind the meter in case it rusts
Shut off the gas immediately only if you:
- Smell the odor of gas (rotten eggs)
- Hear a hissing sound
- The meter dials spin more rapidly than normal
Do not use matches, lighters, open flame appliances or operate any electrical switches until you are sure no gas leaks exist. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite the gas.
If you smell natural gas, immediately get everyone out of and away from the house. Open the windows and doors to provide ventilation. Shut off the gas at the meter
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Do you know where to find your utilities within your home? When to shut them off? How to shut them off? Learn how and show family members who are capable how to in case of leaks or if you’re instructed to do so by local officials. Children should NEVER touch the electrical panel or gas valves.
IMPORTANT to note – if you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve, and get outside immediately, and call for help. Once the gas is shut off at the meter DON’T try to turn it back on – ONLY a licensed gas contractor can do that safely.