Week 5

Do I Turn off the Gas Valve?

After an earthquake, we usually think that the gas will be leaking. 

Contrast to popular belief, however, the gas may not always leak after an earthquake.

Turn off the gas valve only if you smell the gas leaking.

This is because of two reasons:

1) If the gas isn't leaking, but you turn it off anyway, then you're only losing your source for fire and heat. 

2) To turn on a gas valve that has already been shut off, you must contact the gas valve company. If you attempt to turn it on by yourself, it can be very dangerous.

(Bonus)

How to tell if a gas valve is ON or OFF:

image source: City of Rancho Palos Verdes

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Your Emergency Preparedness