5 Tips For Turning Your Gas Off During A Natural Disaster

It is essential that your whole family knows where their gas meter is located BEFORE a natural disaster occurs. In warmer climates it is usually located on the side of the house or if you live in a building it can be in the front of the building or in a breezeway. In cooler climates the gas meter is typically also found outside. In very rare cases a meter may be indoors. These should be inspected by your gas company to ensure that there are not any leaks and may need to be relocated outdoors.

It is a great idea to keep a gas shut off tool, sometimes referred to as an earthquake survival tool, attached right to your meter. Then there will be no fumbling around looking for the right tool to use to shut off your gas when a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tornado or hurricane occurs.

If light is needed to inspect your gas meter only use a battery powered flashlight. Anything with a flame, such as a candle or kerosene lantern can cause an explosion. Do not use light switches or any appliances(including your home telephone) until you know if you have a gas leak. Any little spark can ignite a fire or explosion. Make sure that you do not start any vehicles that are in the area of the potential gas leak because this can cause an explosion as well.

Do you smell gas? Can you hear gas leaking? Is your gas meter showing excessive usage? These are all indicaters that you have a gas leak and need to shut your gas off. Remember that only a professional should turn your gas back on and in the case of a large natural disaster where many are affected that could take a week or two before you have your gas turned back on. Under no circumstances should you turn your gas meter back on yourself.

To turn your gas meter off use a gas meter shut off tool. A wrench or channel locks will work. It is a good idea to have a pair attached to your meter so you do not have to frantically took for one during an emergency. Turn the valve 1/4 of a turn in either direction to shut your gas OFF. See the photo above on the right for an example of a gas meter turned off.

It is essential that you are prepared for any emergency or natural disaster BEFORE one occurs. Hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, severe thunderstorm and earthquake preparedness are all key in saving lives. Natural disaster safety tips are easy to learn and implement. There is no doubt that another disaster will occur. But are you prepared?

For more information about shutting your gas off during a natural disaster please visit FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency.