Emergency

For any suspected gas emergency, or questions regarding a gas odor or carbon monoxide, please call us immediately at 1-800-427-2200.

What to Do if You Detect a Natural Gas Leak
How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak
How to shut off your gas meter
General Emergency Preparedness

What to Do If You Detect a Natural Gas Leak

Natural gas is lighter than air, and it has a very high ignition temperature. For your protection, The Gas Company adds a distinctive odor to natural gas, so leaks are more readily detected.

If you smell a natural gas odor, hear the hissing sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak--

DON'T panic.
DON'T light a match, candle or cigarette.
DON'T turn electrical appliances or lights on or off.
From a safe location, call The Gas Company (1-800-427-2200) 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or call 9-1-1.

How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak

It’s important to know that any of the following signs may indicate the presence of a gas leak:

The distinct odor of natural gas
A hissing sound
A loose connector
Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near pipeline areas

How to Shut Off Your Gas

Turn off your gas meter ONLY if you smell gas or hear the hissing sound of gas escaping.

It is important to know exactly where your gas meter is located (See Diagram A ), and how to shut it off in case of emergencies (See Diagram B).

As you face the meter, you will see a pipe running from the ground to the meter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground.

Take a 12" adjustable wrench (or larger) and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. (See Diagram B)

Keep a 12" adjustable wrench (or larger) with your emergency supplies, or next to your valve. Read additional emergency information in case of an earthquake .

Diagram A

DiagramA shows a four possible meter locations: cabinet meter, multiple meter, under-the-house meter, underground meter.

Diagram B

DiagramB shows a Close-up of a typical gas valve, on/off position.

For safety, a shut-off valve should be installed at every gas appliance. If a leak occurs at a specific appliance, the valve will permit you to turn off the gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all gas service at the meter. Some valves require a wrench to turn them. See Diagram C.

Diagram C

Diagram C shows a shut-off valve

CAUTION: If you turn off your gas at the meter, leave it off. Don’t turn it back on yourself. Have The Gas Company turn it back on and relight the pilots.

Do Not Use the Gas Meter for Electric Bonding

Electric bonding to or use of Southern California Gas Company gas service piping, gas risers or meter facilities for electric grounding is not permitted. Use caution when touching gas meters. Faulty household appliances or faulty household electrical wiring could inadvertently introduce electricity to gas facilities.

General Emergency Preparedness

Many natural disasters and other emergencies can strike without warning. In addition, after a major incident, there’s a good chance that public safety services will be busy handling emergencies. Your best defense is to be prepared at all times.

Steps To Take Before an Emergency

Be prepared. Know where your gas meter is located and keep a 12" adjustable wrench (or larger) with your emergency supplies, or next to your gas valve. Even in the case of an earthquake or other emergencies, turn off your gas meter ONLY if you smell gas or hear gas leaking.
To help prevent your water heater from moving or toppling in an earthquake, strap it firmly to the wall studs in two places -- the upper and lower one-third of the tank -- with heavy bolts and metal tape. Be sure to place the lower strap at least 4 inches above the thermostat controls. Kits are often available at your local hardware store.
Replace any semi-rigid aluminum or copper gas tubing with approved flexible metal appliance connector.
Check safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to ensure that they are functioning properly
Check your furnace and other gas appliances for safe operation. Have a qualified heating contractor make any needed repairs

Developing an Emergency Plan

Most of us have at one time or another thought about what we would do in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, too many of us never go beyond just thinking about it. Even worse, some people believe having stored food supplies and a few thoughts about what they would do in an emergency is being prepared. The truth is without formalizing your thoughts on how you want to approach various emergencies you are not prepared. In other words, being prepared means not only having supplies but having a written plan that includes training and practice. Developing a written plan not only organizes your thoughts it also provides a systematic and repeatable approach to emergencies. It's also an excellent tool for training and practicing.

Your plan should be tailored to meet your specific situation and the special actions required to meet specific types of emergencies. For example, what action should be taken in the event of a fire versus an earthquake or flood. Here are a few examples of emergencies for you to consider:

House or wild fire
Flooding
Earthquake
Intruder
School or work emergency
Large chemical spills near your neighborhood

Create an emergency plan for your family, identifying two places for the family to meet -- 1) a place outside your home and 2) a spot away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home.

Practice the plan with your family, including your children
Make sure your children are aware of the routes away from home
Develop a plan for family pets and livestock. Evacuation shelters may not allow animals
Plan safe routes away from your home and business to high, safe ground
Designate a friend outside the area who family members can call if separated
Review the emergency plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where members of your family regularly spend time away from home
Review and update your plan, as needed, at least annually.
Keep current important documents in a safe-deposit box
Know if your home is in an area at risk of flooding or landslide
Check the condition of your roof
Clean debris from drains around your home or yard

Emergency supplies checklist

Now is the time to stock up on at least 72 hours worth of emergency supplies that add to your safety and comfort during and after an earthquake.

Below are some essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit:

Bottled water – three day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person, per day)
First-aid kit, handbook, and essential medications
Packaged, dried or canned food and any special diet items
Special provisions for babies, elderly, disabled family members, and pet
Non-electric can opener
Blankets or sleeping bags
A portable radio, flashlight, batteries and light sticks
Extra eyeglasses and sets of house and car keys
Fire extinguisher –A-B-C type
Rubber boots, rain pancho
Plastic trash bags
Sturdy pair of shoes, warm clothing and personal hygiene items
Cash

Steps For After an Emergency

DO NOT turn off your meter unless you smell gas or hear gas leaking.
- Contact a licensed contractor or The Gas Company to relight any gas appliances or pilot lights that are out. Do not turn gas back on by yourself.
- It is recommended that a shut-off valve be installed at every gas appliance. If a leak occurs at a specific appliance, the valve will permit you to turn off the gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all gas service at the meter. Some valves require a wrench to turn them.
- Check your water heater and furnace vents. If the venting system becomes separated during an earthquake, it could leak hazardous fumes to your home. Signs of an improperly vented appliance may include moisture on the inside of windows or an unusual odor when the appliance is in operation.
- DO NOT use any electrical appliances until you're sure there are no gas leaks.
Keep informed of the situation through local radio and TV
If evacuation is necessary, prepare an evacuation kit, including personal hygiene items, change of clothes, bedding and medication, if possible. Food, shelter and first aid are available at shelters
If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors, especially elderly and disabled persons
Use the telephone only for family emergency needs or to report unsafe or dangerous conditions
Do not use 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency
Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during an emergency, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing and sturdy shoes. Advise others of your destination
Use flashlights -- NOT lanterns, matches or candles -- to examine buildings. Flammable gases may be inside
Follow instructions of local authorities regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking or call public health officials
Avoid "sightseeing" in disaster areas. You may hamper rescue efforts or place yourself in danger

Preparing for An Earthquake

Do a Home "Hazard Hunt."

Walk through your rooms and look for things that could fall when shaken. Identify good places to "duck, cover and hold" (see below). Even though you may not be able to secure every item you believe could fall, at least you will have identified the safe and unsafe areas of your home. Their fresh eyes can often find things you miss.

Practice your "Duck, Cover and Hold."

Duck or drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold onto it. If you have children, teach them how to "duck, cover and hold", and be sure to practice it with them often.

During an Earthquake

Duck or drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold onto it so that it doesn't move away from you. Wait there until the shaking stops.