Earthquake Safe Gas Lines Can Save Your Life

When preparing for earthquakes you probably have already checked a lot of things off your list. You have an emergency kit in your basement and safety plans with your children. But have you taken the time to consider your gas lines?

According to the California Health and Safety Code, all homes are required to have earthquake sensitive gas shutoff valves installed. These valves are crucial to the safety of your home; they turn off your gas in the event of an earthquake and can prevent a devastating fire. When the chaos is over, you can turn the gas right back on.

There are several other things you can do before an earthquake hits. Secure natural gas equipment so they do not move in during an earthquake. Make sure any flammable items are not stored near any gas equipment and replace semi-rigid gas connectors with flexible ones.

But the most important task, and one that you cannot do on your own is to install an earthquake sensitive gas shutoff valve. Keithley Plumbing of Pasadena has trained qualified technicians that can come out and install it at the gas meter.

After an earthquake verify that no flammable items have fallen near a natural gas source and hire a professional to turn it back on and verify it is all right to do so at that time.

For more information on how to secure your gas lines, visit Keithley Plumbing at www.keithleyplumbing.com.